Which ACC head coach hates Notre Dame the most?

TL;DR

ACC coaches express significant animosity towards Notre Dame football, with Pat Narduzzi likely leading the charge. The rivalry is fueled by past losses and a perceived inferiority complex within the conference.

Key points

ACC coaches express animosity towards Notre Dame football
Pat Narduzzi is likely the most critical coach
Rivalry fueled by Notre Dame's historical success
ACC programs feel inferior after losses to Notre Dame
Other coaches also share negative sentiments

Mentioned in this story

Pat NarduzziDabo SwinneyJames FranklinDave DoerenMario Cristobal

Notre Dame Fighting IrishPittsburgh Panthers

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 15: Head coach Marcus Freeman of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish shakes hands with head coach Pat Narduzzi of the Pittsburgh Panthers following a 37-15 win during the game at Acrisure Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) | Getty Images There is a giant target on the back of Notre Dame football right now, and the wolves are out for blood. No school generates as much animosity and conversation than Notre Dame, so it should come as no surprise that the combination is put on full display during the offseason. The events of last season are still fresh in the minds of everyone, and that means there are no shortage of quotes to gather — especially when they are anonymous. Never mind the fact that we can probably assume Pat Narduzzi is behind most of these quotes, it’s fair to also assume Dabo Swinney, James Franklin, Dave Doehren, and Mario Cristobal could just have easily tossed their hate hat into the ring. As always… this is an ACC problem. As far as we know, Notre Dame isn’t blackmailing the ACC into providing this deal. Their own inferiority complex backed up by football programs that continually lose to Notre Dame on the field is of their own making. I don’t care “who benefits the most” or “who has the most leverage” here, because it doesn’t really matter. With the current exceptions of Miami and Clemson (and maybe SMU), the conference isn’t doing enough on their end to become much more of a peer alongside the SEC and Big 10 — and they’re lashing out at Notre Dame. Children.

Q&A

Which ACC head coach is most critical of Notre Dame?

Pat Narduzzi is often assumed to be the most critical ACC head coach towards Notre Dame.

What factors contribute to the ACC's animosity towards Notre Dame?

The animosity stems from Notre Dame's historical success and the ACC's struggles to compete, leading to feelings of inferiority among ACC programs.

How do other ACC coaches feel about Notre Dame?

Coaches like Dabo Swinney, James Franklin, Dave Doeren, and Mario Cristobal also share negative sentiments towards Notre Dame, contributing to the rivalry.