Notre Dame football took a major hit as running backs coach Deland McCullough is making the leap to the NFL, leaving a void in one of the team’s most important position groups. McCullough, who has been instrumental in developing the Irish’s backfield, is reportedly joining an NFL staff, dealing a tough blow to Notre Dame’s offensive plans for the upcoming season.
McCullough’s departure couldn’t have come at a worse time. The Irish are set to break in a new group of running backs following the exit of star tailback Audric Estimé, who declared for the NFL Draft. McCullough had been a key recruiter and mentor for younger backs like Gi’Bran Payne, Jeremiyah Love, and Jadarian Price, all of whom were expected to take on bigger roles in 2024. Now, with their coach gone, their development could be in flux as Notre Dame scrambles to find a replacement.
Since arriving in South Bend in 2022, McCullough has made a significant impact, helping Estimé become one of the nation’s top rushers while also preparing the next wave of talent. His ability to recruit and develop backs had been a major asset to head coach Marcus Freeman’s staff, and his exit leaves a crucial gap in both coaching and recruiting.
With spring practices right around the corner, Notre Dame must act quickly to fill the vacancy. The Irish will need a coach who can continue McCullough’s momentum and ensure the running back room doesn’t take a step back.
While losing a top assistant to the NFL is a testament to Notre Dame’s coaching pipeline, it still leaves the Irish with a challenge. How they respond could make or break their rushing attack in 2024.
