Jack Kiser, JD Bertrand, Marist Liufau share what Max Bullough brings to Notre Dame staff

Notre Dame made an interesting addition to their coaching staff this offseason, adding former Michigan State and NFL linebacker Max Bullough to their coaching staff as a graduate assistant.

Bullough has been working within his area of expertise, helping out Al Golden in coaching the Fighting Irish linebackers. And following Notre Dame’s third day of fall camp, a trio of linebackers spoke about the impact he’s had on them so far and what he brings to the table.

“He’s brought a unique energy to the meeting room ever day, he certainly knows his stuff,” Jack Kiser said. “In fact, Coach Vrabel for the Titans brought him up in a podcast. Like singled him out as one of the smartest players he’s ever coached. And fortunately we get that every single day in the meeting room, little tips and advice and what to look at, what keys. It’s an important aspect that could be overlooked and we’re certainly grateful for it.”

Energy and football intelligence are common themes when players speak about Bullough, the former two-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection and team captain for the Spartans who helped lead them to a conference championship victory in 2013.

He signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent following the 2014 NFL Draft, where he’d spend three seasons before signing with the Cleveland Browns for a few months of the 2018 offseason before being waived by the team.

“He’s been awesome. A ton of energy, obviously it’s my third GA so just another guy to learn from,” JD Bertrand said. “Another style of coaching and honestly he just brings energy every single day and is really good at hashing out the little details. And so film sessions might go a little longer but we’re really learning a lot and getting a great opportunity to learn under him.”

Bullough’s coaching career began at Cincinnati, where he was a graduate assistant for one season under Luke Fickell before landing at Alabama under Nick Saban. He’s spent the last three seasons in Tuscaloosa as a graduate assistant as well and was a part of their 2020 CFP National Championship before joining Notre Dame this offseason.

“Max, he’s brought a lot of energy to the room, it’s great to have him. We have early mornings and he’s just the same all the time. He’s a good teacher to us, he really knows the game well so it’s been good,” Marist Liufau said.

Energy and knowledge are something that every staff in the nation seeks and could use, as Bullough continues preparing Notre Dame’s linebackers not just for the upcoming season, but a future in the NFL as well from his experience at the position.