After orchestrating a dominant season for the Irish defense, Al Golden, the Bob Hinton Defensive Coordinator, has been named the recipient of the 2024 Broyles Award, recognizing the best assistant coach in college football.
Golden becomes the second Notre Dame coach to earn this prestigious honor, joining Bob Diaco, who won the award in 2012.
Under Golden’s leadership, Notre Dame’s defense emerged as one of the most complete units in the nation, ranking among the FBS elite in multiple categories. The Irish led the nation in pass efficiency defense (104.4), turnovers gained (33), defensive touchdowns (6), and blocked kicks (6). They also finished second in fumbles recovered (14) and blocked punts (3), fourth in passing yards allowed (169.4) and scoring defense (15.5 points per game), fifth in interceptions (19), and 11th in total defense (307.4 yards per game).
Notre Dame’s defense played a key role in the team's historic season, as the Irish recorded seven wins over ranked opponents—more than any other FBS program. Notre Dame also posted the best record in the nation against ranked teams (7-1) among programs that faced multiple ranked opponents. In an unprecedented feat, the Irish became the first team ever to defeat an AP-ranked opponent in six different months during a single season.
Golden’s defense excelled in forcing game-changing plays, leading the country with 33 turnovers gained. The Irish capitalized on these opportunities, scoring 158 points off turnovers while allowing just 44 points in return, creating a staggering +114-point differential.
Throughout the season, Notre Dame’s defense stifled opponents, holding seven teams to 125 or fewer passing yards—the most in the FBS over that span. The Irish limited opponents to 250 or fewer total yards in six games, tied for the second-most in the nation.
The Irish defense allowed just one or fewer touchdowns in seven games this season. Even in three instances where opponents managed multiple scores, the second touchdown came late in the fourth quarter with the game already in hand for Notre Dame.
In total, Notre Dame held 12 opponents to 17 points or fewer, with only two teams surpassing the 30-point mark. This defensive dominance marked the best performance by an Irish defense since 2012, when Notre Dame limited 10 opponents to 16 points or fewer and allowed just one team (Alabama in the BCS title game) to eclipse 30 points.
Golden’s impact on Notre Dame’s defense was undeniable, and his Broyles Award recognition is a testament to the success and excellence of the 2024 Irish defensive unit.