A recent report indicates that Notre Dame plans to recruit a leading talent evaluator from the Detroit Lions to assume a significant position in their program.
The Notre Dame Fight Irish football program had a significant achievement in the 2024-25 season. In his third year as head coach, Marcus Freeman successfully guided his team to two significant victories against top-10 teams in the college football playoffs and reached the National Championship game. Although they lost to Ohio State in the championship match, there were significant positives from their season.
Sadly, as is the case with all college football programs, the conclusion of the season brings losses of seniors or players declaring for the NFL Draft. This year, the program is losing starting quarterback Riley Leonard, two-time All-American safety Xavier Watts, defensive tackles Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills, along with linebacker Jack Kiser. Nonetheless, they also experienced a significant setback with their administrative personnel.
Sadly, similar to every program in college football, the conclusion of the season leads to exits by seniors or athletes declaring for the NFL Draft. This year, starting quarterback Riley Leonard, two-time All-American safety Xavier Watts, defensive tackles Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills, along with linebacker Jack Kiser, are departing from the program. Nonetheless, they also experienced a significant setback with their administrative personnel.
Chad Bowden is going to USC to assume the role of their new general manager. It’s an important position that must be filled quickly, and it seems Notre Dame has accomplished that.
Sadly, similar to every program in college football, the conclusion of the season leads to exits by seniors or athletes declaring for the NFL Draft. This year, starting quarterback Riley Leonard, two-time All-American safety Xavier Watts, defensive tackles Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills, along with linebacker Jack Kiser, are departing from the program. Nonetheless, they also experienced a significant setback with their administrative personnel.
Chad Bowden is going to USC to assume the role of their new general manager. It’s an important position that must be filled quickly, and it seems Notre Dame has accomplished that.
On Friday, ESPN announced that Notre Dame is bringing in Mike Martin, the director of scouting advancement for the Detroit Lions, to succeed Bowden.
“Martin has been employed by five NFL teams and has recently completed his fourth season in Detroit as the director of scouting advancement,” reports Pete Sampson from The Athletic ND. That role collaborated with the team’s college and professional personnel team to shape the Lions’ roster, which enhanced in each season Martin was with the organization, culminating in last season’s impressive 15-2 record and top seed in the NFC.
“Martin, a Vanderbilt graduate, likely possesses some familiarity with Notre Dame’s scouting department, given his previous collaboration with scouting director Matt Jansen in Houston.”
With the increasing influence of NIL deals and the transfer portal in college sports, Notre Dame must remain innovative in identifying talent and constructing its rosters. Martin possesses extensive experience in doing that at the top level. He is expected to have a significant influence in the coming years for the Fight Irish.