The Notre Dame football team has had a lot of exits so far this offseason. To some degree, it’s felt like Marcus Freeman was doing everything he could to hold the program together. However, new reports circulating the web today make it clear that at least one hole in the staff has been filled by someone who could, it would seem, be even better than the one they lost.

Chad Bowden has long been considered one of the best front-office staffers in the game. That’s why USC gave him a raise that paid him three times what he made in South Bend. 

While Bowden’s loss was a big one, especially considering the Notre Dame football program is entering an essential part of its 2026 recruiting approach, it seems like Freeman was able to make a top-notch replacement. Those reports indicate that the Irish are targeting Texas Tech’s James Blanchard for their General Manager position.

https://x.com/mzenitz/status/1884721410997727333

Notre Dame football makes a perfect staffer hire

Matt Zenitz was among the first to report that Notre Dame had zeroed in on the new GM and among the first things to know about Blanchard is that like Bowden, he’s considered among the best in the business.

According to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, Blanchard was the first hire Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire made when he arrived in Lubbock. That site called him the “poster child” for modern day recruiting at the school. 

James Blanchard was heavily credited with helping Tech sign back-to-back Top 25 recruiting classes. The Red Raiders also managed quite the haul in the transfer portal. 

The news of Blanchard being the top candidate, and apparently someone that the Irish are working hard to get a deal done quickly is welcome considering the other hire Notre Dame reportedly made today.

The Notre Dame football program is also thought to have landed its new defensive coordinator in Chris Ash. However, that hire has not been met with much excitement considering his rather spotty track record, despite several top-line stops in the college sports world. Here’s hoping the James Blanchard announcement comes soon.