The 1969 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame as an independent during the 1969 NCAA University Division football season. Led by sixth-year head coach Ara Parseghian, the Fighting Irish compiled a record of 8âÂÂ2âÂÂ1.
After 44 seasons without postseason play (1925âÂÂ1968), the school ended its self-imposed bowl hiatus. With an regular season record, the Irish were led on the field by junior quarterback Joe Theismann. They met top-ranked Texas in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on New Year's Day, but lost 21âÂÂ17 when the Longhorns scored a late touchdown.