Louisville football makes major changes ahead of 2026, as the Cardinals fans just learned defensive coordinator and safeties coach Ron English and co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Mark Hagen are not expected to be back next season.
Louisville fans have been keeping an eye out for some coaching changes this offseason, but many thought it might be around Jeff Brohm. However, not many expected these major changes on the defensive side of the ball. The Cards will now look for their next DC as the Transfer Portal quickly approaches.
Louisville is going to have a busy New Year, and with Hagen and English now gone for 2026, Louisville’s priority has quickly switched to replacing its defensive coordinators.
Sources: Changes are coming to the defensive staff at Louisivlle. Ron English is not expected back as the defensive coordinator for 2026. Defensive line coach Mark Hagen has been informed he will not return. pic.twitter.com/hQfE3FIkAi
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 30, 2025
Louisville football makes major changes on defense
English and Hagen both came to Louisville with Brohm when he took over as the Cards' head coach in 2023. English has bounced around quite a few places as he was the DC at San Jose State, then safeties coach at Mississippi State, Florida, and Purdue with Brohm, and then came to Louisville. As for Hagen, he has coached in the ACC, SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12 and has been coaching for over 40 years.
Since these three arrived in Louisville, the Cardinals' defense has been quite a roller coaster. In 2023, they earned 10 wins together, and the defense ranked inside the top 33 for both points and yards allowed per game. However, in 2024, they took a huge step backward, ranking in the top 65 in the nation. As for last season, they finished 9-4 again, and the defense ranked in the top 35 for the second straight year, allowing the 17th fewest yards per game.
It is reported that English would like to step away for the year" so he can watch his son’s final season at Navy. As for Hagen, the reports are that Brohm will look for a new defensive line coach. The Cards already have a key edge rusher in AJ Green and are losing multiple defensive backs to eligibility.
Louisville will look to hire a new DC, as they also try and recruit heavily in the Transfer Portal which opens up on Jan. 2.
For all the latest recruiting news and updates for Louisville football, stay tuned.