In a stunning development that has electrified the football world, former Dallas Cowboys All-Pro offensive guard Zack Martin has officially returned to his alma mater, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, to join their senior coaching staff.
The announcement came just minutes ago via a joint press release from the University of Notre Dame Athletic Department and Martin himself. The 8-time Pro Bowler and future Hall of Famer will serve as the Senior Offensive Line Advisor, a newly created role aimed at strengthening the team’s offensive trenches and developing the next generation of elite linemen.
Martin, 34, recently retired following an illustrious NFL career entirely spent with the Dallas Cowboys. Widely regarded as one of the most technically sound and dominant guards of his era, Martin leaves behind a legacy of excellence in the NFL—anchoring the Cowboys’ offensive line for over a decade.
Returning to South Bend, Indiana, where he was a two-time team captain and earned All-American honors, Martin described the move as a “homecoming.”
> “Notre Dame shaped me as a man and a football player. Now I want to give back to the program that gave me everything,” Martin said in a prepared statement. “I’m excited to help mold these young athletes into not just great players, but great people.”
Martin’s appointment is seen as a strategic move by Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, who has emphasized building a physically dominant, NFL-ready offensive line. Freeman called Martin’s addition a “game-changer.
> “Zack brings a level of knowledge, discipline, and professionalism that will resonate immediately with our players,” Freeman said. “His mentorship will be invaluable on and off the field.”
While Martin is no longer donning the silver and blue, his legacy remains deeply embedded in the fabric of the Dallas Cowboys organization. Team owner Jerry Jones released a brief statement acknowledging Martin’s contributions:
> “Zack Martin will always be a Dallas Cowboy. We wish him the very best as he begins this exciting new chapter at Notre Dame.”
While it’s not uncommon for former NFL players to transition into coaching, Martin’s move comes unusually quickly after retirement—indicating both a passion for teaching the game and a long-term vision in coaching. Sources close to Martin suggest that this may just be the beginning of a potential path toward a full-time collegiate or even NFL coaching role.
As the college football world absorbs this breaking news, one thing is clear: Notre Dame just added an elite football mind to its coaching ranks.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
