Northwestern has reportedly hired Ross Kolodziej as its new defensive line coach, according to a Tuesday X post by ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg (Medill ’03). Kolodziej takes over for Christian Smith, who departs NU after three years at the helm. The seven-year NFL veteran was the head strength and conditioning coach for six years before working as a defensive line coach in his final two years. Rumors first surfaced on social media about Kolodziej joining the ’Cats when he was posted in a picture alongside coach David Braun on the recruiting trail. Kolodziej later changed his profile picture to the NU logo before Rittenberg broke the news of the hiring.