Notre Dame fires defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder

Notre Dame announced Sunday it has fired defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder.

"This is a difficult decision," head coach Brian Kelly said in a statement. "I have the utmost respect for Brian as both a person and football coach, but our defense simply isn't where it should be and I believe this change is necessary for the best interest of our program and our student-athletes."

The Irish simultaneously announced that Greg Hudson, who was serving as a defensive analyst, will assume VanGorder's responsibilities.

VanGorder had been the subject of heavy scrutiny over the first four games of the season, as his unit struggled mightily to keep opponents out of the end zone and come up with stops at critical moments.

The Irish have surrendered 36 or more points in each game this year, and have given up 454 yards per contest. The subpar defense has led to a disappointing 1-3 record to begin the campaign.

After giving up 38 points Saturday in a loss to Duke, Kelly vowed to "re-evaluate what we're doing, who we are doing it with, and how we are doing it," though he also said the loss had nothing to do with bad coaching.

Notre Dame takes on Syracuse next week.