Al Golden preaching consistency with No. 5 Notre Dame's defense

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

First-year Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden arrived on campus with a simple blueprint.

Stay the course.

New Fighting Irish coach Marcus Freeman, Golden's predecessor, concurred. With Golden taking over as the team's third defensive signal-caller in three years, Freeman opted for continuity over change, especially after the unit showed so much promise in 2021.

FILE - Notre Dame defensive lineman Isaiah Foskey (7) plays during the second half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against Oklahoma State, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. Foskey was named to the Associated Press preseason All-America team. Monday, Aug. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"We’re trying to keep some consistency in what we’re doing," Freeman said. "There obviously have been some enhancements because of coach Golden’s experience being a defensive coordinator and being in the NFL. But the basis of what we’re going to do is not going to change."

Why should it?

After making the 2020 College Football Playoffs, the Fighting Irish took a significant step forward by producing 41 sacks, 26 takeaways and finishing 15th nationally in points allowed (19.7 per game) during Freeman's first and only season as coordinator.

If the Irish can replicate those numbers, No. 5 Notre Dame could be back in the playoff hunt.

The mantra is simple: Play fast, play free. And the 53-year-old Golden intends to stick to the script.

NOTRE DAME'S MARCUS FREEMAN TALKS EARLY ENROLLEES

Golden brings a solid track record to South Bend. A successful tenure as Virginia’s defensive coordinator led to head coaching jobs at