Brief Introduction of Chris Ash
Christopher “Chris” Ash is a highly respected American football coach with a career spanning nearly three decades across both the collegiate and professional ranks. He is widely recognized for his defensive expertise, having served as a defensive coordinator for several major programs and contributing to a national championship victory with Ohio State in 2014. Ash has also held the position of head coach at Rutgers University and has coached in the National Football League (NFL) for multiple teams. His reputation is built on being a disciplined, detailed, and focused leader.
Chris Ash Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christopher Ash |
| Date of Birth | December 24, 1973 |
| Age | 51 |
| Birthplace | Ottumwa, Iowa, U.S. |
| Wife | Doreen Ash |
| Children | Four children: sons Tanner and Brady, and daughters Jacey and Alexis |
| Profession | American Football Coach |
| Current Position | Defensive Coordinator, Notre Dame Fighting Irish |
| Alma Mater | Drake University (B.A.), Iowa State University (M.A.) |
Early Life and Education of Chris Ash
Chris Ash was born on December 24, 1973, in Ottumwa, Iowa. He attended Ottumwa High School. Following high school, Ash enrolled at Drake University, where he was a two-time letterwinner as a defensive back for the Bulldogs football team. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Drake in 1996. Ash’s passion for the game and coaching was evident early on. He later continued his education, earning a master’s degree in education from Iowa State University in 2005.
Chris Ash’s Career
Chris Ash’s coaching career is extensive, marked by a steady rise through the ranks of college football and stints in the NFL. He has a proven track record of developing stout defensive units and has been a part of several championship-winning teams.
Early Coaching Career
Ash began his coaching journey in 1997 as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Drake University. His aptitude for coaching was quickly recognized, and he was promoted to defensive coordinator for the 1998 and 1999 seasons. Following his time at Drake, Ash moved to Iowa State University in 2000, where he would spend eight seasons over two separate stints. He started as a graduate assistant before being promoted to defensive backs coach, also taking on the role of recruiting coordinator in 2006 and 2009. He also spent the 2007 and 2008 seasons at San Diego State as the defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator.
Defensive Coordinator Success
Ash’s reputation as a top defensive mind grew significantly during his time as a defensive coordinator in the Big Ten. He first took on the role at the University of Wisconsin, where he spent three seasons. In his two years as defensive coordinator (2011-2012), the Badgers’ defense was consistently ranked among the nation’s best. In 2011, his defense led the Big Ten in total defense and pass defense efficiency in conference games. After a season as the defensive coordinator at the University of Arkansas in 2013, Ash moved to Ohio State University as the co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach.
His tenure at Ohio State from 2014 to 2015 was highly successful. In his first season, he helped lead the Buckeyes to a national championship. The 2014 Ohio State defense ranked 19th nationally in total defense and was fourth in the country with 24 interceptions. The following year, the defense continued to excel, ranking second in the nation in scoring defense and ninth in total defense.
Head Coach at Rutgers
In December 2015, Chris Ash was named the head coach of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, signing a five-year, $11 million guaranteed contract. This was his first head coaching position. He coached at Rutgers from 2016 until September 2019. During his tenure, the team saw some improvements, including matching the program record for Big Ten victories in a season in 2017. However, after a difficult start to the 2019 season, he was fired. His overall record as head coach was 8-32.
Return to Coordinator and NFL Roles
Following his time at Rutgers, Ash served as a defensive analyst and later as the defensive coordinator for the University of Texas for the 2020 season. He then transitioned to the NFL, serving as the safeties coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 and the defensive backs coach for the Las Vegas Raiders from 2022 to 2023. He also spent time as a scout for the Jaguars.
Current Position at Notre Dame
In 2025, Chris Ash was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. His extensive experience at both the collegiate and professional levels was a key factor in his hiring.
Chris Ash Personal Life & Family
Chris Ash is a dedicated family man. He is married to Doreen Ash. Together, they have four children: two sons, Tanner and Brady, and two daughters, Jacey and Alexis. The family has moved across the country to support his coaching career.
Awards and Achievements of Chris Ash
While a comprehensive list of individual awards for Chris Ash is not readily available, his most significant achievement is being a part of the coaching staff that led the Ohio State Buckeyes to win the 2014 College Football Playoff National Championship. His defenses at Wisconsin and Ohio State consistently ranked among the best in the nation, which is a testament to his coaching abilities. He has also been a part of four Big Ten championship-winning teams.
Chris Ash Net Worth and Income
As of recent reports, a definitive net worth for Chris Ash is not publicly available. However, based on his previous contracts, his earnings have been substantial. As the head coach at Rutgers, he signed an $11 million contract over five years. His salary as an assistant coach at various major universities and in the NFL has also been significant. For example, his salary at Texas in 2020 was over $700,000.
Legacy and Influence
Chris Ash has built a legacy as a brilliant defensive strategist with a deep understanding of the game. He is known for his ability to develop players, with 34 of his former players going on to sign NFL contracts. His coaching philosophy emphasizes aggression and discipline, and he has produced instructional videos on his “Aggressive 4-3 Defense.” His influence can be seen in the successful defensive units he has coached and the players he has mentored throughout his career.
Interesting Facts about Chris Ash
- He is one of three head coaches from his era of Drake University football to become a head coach at the FBS level, alongside Dave Doeren (NC State) and Charlie Partridge (formerly of Florida Atlantic).
- Ash and current University of Texas head coach Tom Herman were on the same coaching staff at Iowa State in 2009 and again at Ohio State in 2014.
Controversies
While Chris Ash’s career has been largely free of major off-field controversies, his tenure as head coach at Rutgers was met with criticism due to the team’s performance and his eventual firing. More recently, his start as the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame has drawn scrutiny from fans and media following a couple of early-season losses where the defense underperformed.
Social Media Presence
Information regarding Chris Ash’s public social media presence is not widely available. He maintains a relatively private online profile.
Final Words about Chris Ash
Chris Ash’s journey in the world of football coaching is a testament to his dedication, knowledge, and passion for the game. From his early days as a graduate assistant to leading a Big Ten program and coaching in the NFL, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to build and lead successful defensive units. While his head coaching tenure had its challenges, his reputation as a premier defensive mind remains intact. As he embarks on his new role as the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame, the football world will be watching to see him apply his wealth of experience to one of the most storied programs in college football.
