Get ready to march into the weekend with a bit of Notre Dame spirit—steady steps and all. As the Fighting Irish prepare for a new era under the baton, there's a fresh face taking charge of the band. Paul Popiel, affectionately nicknamed "The Pope," will step in as Notre Dame's band director starting in 2026. He's succeeding Dr. Kenneth Dye, who's retiring after 27 years in South Bend. Dye was widely respected by band members during his tenure, though his 2014 overhaul of the iconic Irish Guard drew plenty of criticism from students, alumni, and fans alike.

Now, I won't pretend to be one of the loudest critics of those changes. But there's one detail that still grates on me—and maybe it's just me. The old Irish Guard wasn't just about pageantry; it was a direct link between the student body and game-day tradition. Think about it: students used to paint the helmets gold before each game, a hands-on ritual that added to the lore. Of course, modern helmet tech and player safety put an end to that. Similarly, the Irish Guard started as a volunteer tryout for students, serving as an imposing, protective presence for the band.

That spirit of student involvement is what made Notre Dame football so special. So, in honor of those bygone days, here's a look back at five (well, six) photos of the old Irish Guard. Enjoy your Friday, and here's to keeping the tradition alive—one step at a time.