Jamie Uyeyama on Mike Mickens Leaving Notre Dame, Potential DB Coach Candidates, and the Ceiling for the Defense in 2026
Jamie Uyeyama on Mike Mickens Leaving Notre Dame, Potential DB Coach Candidates, and the Ceiling for the Defense in 2026  
Podcast: Locked On Irish - Daily Podcast On Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football & Basketball
Published On: Tue Jan 27 2026
Description: Notre Dame is facing major change on the defensive side of the ball as Mike Mickens leaves for the NFL, and the ripple effects could shape the program’s future. In this episode of Locked On Irish, host Tyler Wojciak is joined by Jamie Uyeyama of Irish Sports Daily to break down what Mickens’ departure means, how difficult he’ll be to replace, and what Notre Dame should be looking for in its next defensive backs coach. The conversation also dives into the hiring of new defensive line coach Charlie Partridge, why he’s so highly regarded across college football, and how his arrival could elevate Notre Dame’s defense in 2026. Jamie shares insight on potential coaching candidates, schematic impact, and the overall ceiling of this defense as the Irish gear up for another national title push. (0:00) - Intro(1:51) - Mike Mickens Leaving for NFL(14:19) - Potential Candidates(28:06) - Charlie Partridge’s Impact Follow Tyler on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TylerWojciakFollow Locked On Irish on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LockedOnIrishFollow Locked On Irish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lockedonirishpod/?hl=enSubscribe to Locked on Irish on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC749D_LgykIE8WLu7W4UQlQ Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonirish.supercast.com/ Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. MazdaLike our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you. Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.  Rocket MoneyLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON FanDuelIf you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.