Former Notre Dame defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder named DC at Louisville

Notre Dame likely hasn't seen the last of Brian VanGorder.

After spending the 2017 season as a defensive analyst at Oklahoma State, the 58-year-old assistant coach was officially announced as Louisville's next defensive coordinator on Monday.

VanGorder served in the same role at Notre Dame from 2014 to 2016. He was fired following a 38-35 home loss to Duke on Sept. 24, 2016. The Jackson, Mich., native's Irish defenses finished 84th nationally in scoring defense (29.2 points per game) and 73rd in total defense (404.2 yards per game) in 2014 and 39th in scoring defense (24.1 points per game) and 45th in total defense (372.7 yards per game) in 2015.

At the time of his firing in 2016, Notre Dame ranked 96th in rushing defense (201 yards per game), 101st in scoring defense (33.5 points per game), 103rd in total defense (454 yards per game) and 111th in team pass efficiency defense (154.15), while managing just one total sack.

Despite the unflattering end to his stint in South Bend, VanGorder — who boasts 18 years of experience as a defensive coordinator — has been granted another opportunity at Louisville.

"I've known Brian for a long time and have an extremely high level of respect for everything he's accomplished throughout his coaching career," Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino said in a statement. "With over 30 years of coaching experience, Brian has coordinated defenses in the National Football League, and at the highest level in college football. He's an outstanding teacher, a great communicator, and has displayed the ability to develop players at every level.

"Brian is former winner of the Broyles Award as the top assistant coach in the country and has achieved success at every level, both professionally and collegiately, which is a testament to his ability as a football coach."

VanGorder's ability to coach will likely be tested on Sept. 2, 2019, when Notre Dame opens its season at Louisville.

VanGorder's son, former Irish backup quarterback Montgomery VanGorder, announced this offseason that he will make a graduate transfer and spend his final season of eligibility at Youngstown State.

Welcome new defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder to the 'Ville. The 2003 Broyles Award winner has 18 years experience as a defensive coordinator at the professional and collegiate levels. #L1C4pic.twitter.com/Sw3Bui86c9

— LouisvilleFootball (@UofLFootball) January 29, 2018