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LOOK: Ohio State linebackers coach Al Washington pens farewell letter

Nikki Chavanelleby:Nikki Chavanelle•01/16/22•

NikkiChavanelle

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Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Ohio State assistant Al Washington confirmed reports on Sunday that he’s headed to Notre Dame. Washington posted a heartfelt message and a photo collage on Twitter as his farewell note to Buckeye nation.

“The players, the players, the players,” Washington started. “Thankful for all the young men I have been fortunate to be around and work with these past three years. Forever grateful for your time, energy, effort and most especially the example you have shown my kids.

“Through the good times and the tough times, relationships mean everything,” he continued. “Always consider you family. God is Good! Excited for what’s next. Always love.”

What’s next for the Buckeyes linebacker coach is the defensive line job with Marcus Freeman in South Bend, Indiana. Washington will also be the defensive run-game coordinator.

He coached for three seasons at Ohio State. During that span, the Buckeyes defense ranked in the top 50 in overall scoring defense each season.

Al Washington and Marcus Freeman coached together at Cincinnati in 2017. Now, reunited, they’ll make a visit to Columbus to start the 2022 season versus Ohio State.

Marcus Freeman snags Ohio State assistant

New Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman continues to round out his coaching staff. Notre Dame has hired Al Washington as defensive line coach, according to On3’s Matt Zenitz. He will also serve as the team’s defensive run game coordinator.

Washington is a former defensive tackle at Boston College from 2002-2005. He has made multiple stops in his coaching career, including NC State, Elon, and Boston College. In the 2017 season, Cincinnati hired him as the Bearcats’ defensive line coach. However, he quickly moved on to Michigan, before heading to Ohio State in 2019.

In 2019, Washington became Ohio State’s linebackers coach, and he has held that position for the past three seasons. His departure from Ohio State adds to a growing number of changes to the Buckeyes’ coaching staff.