Al Washington
Linebackers
Biography
Al Washington joined the Miami Dolphins as linebackers coach in 2026.
Al Washington joined the Miami Dolphins as linebackers coach in 2026.
The 2026 season marks his first season in the NFL, following a 19-year coaching career at the collegiate level. Over the course of his career, he helped teams appear in a total of 15 bowl and playoff games.
Prior to joining Miami, Washington spent four seasons at Notre Dame (2022-25). He first served as the Fighting Irish's defensive line coach (2022-23) and was defensive line/ run game coordinator for two seasons (2024-25). Notre Dame earned a bowl game berth in all four seasons during Washington's tenure, which included an appearance in the College Football Playoffs (2024).
In 2025, his unit helped the Irish rank first in the nation in quarterback pressures (281) and interceptions (tied-21), fourth in turnover margin (1.08), ninth in teams sacks (2.92), 11th in rushing defense (99.3), 13th in scoring defense (17.6), and 13th in team passing efficiency defense (108.8). Sophomore defensive lineman Boubacar Traore was named a semifinalist for Comeback Player of the Year after he led the Irish with 7.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss.
In 2024, the Irish delivered a standout year as the team made it to the College Football Playoff championship game. Notre Dame's defense ranked in the top five nationally in nine different categories, most notably leading the league in turnovers (33), defensive touchdowns (6) and blocked kicks (6). Overall, the Fighting Irish ranked eleventh in total defense (307.4). Washington mentored two key, senior defensive linemen in their final season with the team, Howard Cross III and Riley Mills. Cross was named FWAA second-team All- American and Mills was named second-team All-American by The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated.
In 2023, Washington's defensive line was not only one of the best in the nation, but also one of the best historically for the Irish. The defense ranked top six all-time at Notre Dame in eight different categories. Cross III finished the season with 66 tackles (28 solo), seven tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks and was a Bednarik Award semifinalist.
In Washington's first season at Notre Dame in 2022, the defensive line played a key role in the Irish ranking 21st overall in total defense, amassing 29 tackles and 29.0 sacks. Junior defensive end Isaiah Foskey led the team with 11.0 sacks and earned consensus All-America honors.
Prior to Washington's time at Notre Dame, he spent three seasons as the linebackers coach at Ohio State (2019-21) where he helped the team earn a College Football Playoff berth in each of his three seasons, including a trip to the title game in 2020.
In 2021, the Buckeyes led the nation in defensive touchdowns (six) and ranked 15th nationally in turnover margin (+9). Washington mentored sophomore linebacker Steele Chambers to his first All-Big 10 honorable mention honor after he tallied 47 tackles (20 solo), 1.0 sack and one forced fumble.
In 2020, Washington coached linebacker Pete Werner who led the Buckeyes in tackles (54), earned first-team All-Big Ten recognition from the coaches and was a semifinalist for the Butkus Award.
In 2019, Washington helped Ohio State's defense lead the nation in four categories in 2019 including total defense and passing yards allowed. The team compiled a 13-1 record, winning their third consecutive Big Ten conference title. Four linebackers earned all-conference honors in 2019 – Malik Harrison (first-team), Tuf Borland (honorable mention), Baron Browning (honorable mention) and Werner (honorable mention).
Washinton spent the 2018 season at the University of Michigan where he served as the linebackers coach. He helped the Wolverines produce the nation's third ranked defense and second ranked unit against the pass, resulting in a trip to the Peach Bowl. Washington's has three linebackers earn All-Big Ten honors – Devin Bush (first-team), Khaleke Hudson (honorable mention) and Josh Uche (honorable mention). Bush was named consensus All-American, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and was a semifinalist for the Butkus Award.
Before his one-year stint at Michigan, Washington coached the defensive line at the University of Cincinnati in 2017.
Prior to Cincinnati, Washington spent five years (2012-16) at his alma mater, Boston College. He served as assistant special teams coach/assistant defensive line coach in 2012 before switching to the offensive side, serving as the running backs from 2013-15. In 2016, he was promoted to special teams coordinator/defensive line coach.
In 2016, The Eagles' special teams ranked third in the ACC in punt returns and kick off returns. Boston College was one of the nation's top defenses in 2016, ranking ninth in the nation and second in the ACC in total defense. Washington coached defensive end Harold Landry, an All-American and Ted Hendricks Trophy finalist, who led the nation in sacks and forced fumbles.
In the three years he coached the running backs (2013-15), the Eagles ranked first in the ACC with 211.8 yards per game. Washington mentored Heisman finalist and Doak Award winner running back Andre Williams in 2013, who became just the 16th player in FBS history to surpass the 2,000-yard mark in a single season.
Before his time at Boston College, Washington had a two-year stint at Slippery Rock (2009-10) where he served as the defensive line coach. He spent the 2008 season at Elon as the linebackers coach.
Washington's coaching career began in 2007 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he served as the defensive line coach. He was a defensive graduate assistant at NC State in 2008.
Washington played defensive tackle at Boston College (2002-05) where he was a four-year letterman and three-year starter.
A Columbus, Ohio native, Washington earned his bachelor's degree in sociology in 2006. He and his wife, Melissa, have two children Audrey and Michael.