Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman Commits Long-Term, Shoring Up a Rising Power
Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman has publicly committed to staying with the program through 2026, effectively ending speculation linking him to several NFL head coaching vacancies.This decision comes on the heels of a newly enhanced contract offered by the university, solidifying Freeman’s position as a cornerstone of the program’s future.
Freeman announced his commitment via X (formerly Twitter) on monday, stating simply, “2026…run it back. Go Irish.” This declaration follows a season where Notre Dame showcased significant progress, finishing with a strong 10-3 record and narrowly missing a College Football Playoff (CFP) berth.
A Rising Star in Demand
At 39, Freeman quickly established himself as one of college football’s most promising coaches. His overall record at Notre Dame stands at an remarkable 43-12 across four seasons.
He was widely considered a top candidate for the New york Giants’ head coaching position, and likely would have garnered interest from other NFL teams. Freeman’s success, culminating in a near-CFP appearance this past season, made him a highly sought-after commodity.
Notre Dame’s Proactive Retention Strategy
Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua has been vocal about his commitment to Freeman,repeatedly emphasizing his belief that Freeman is “the absolute best coach in the country for Notre Dame.” Bevacqua and the university clearly understood the external interest and proactively worked to secure Freeman’s future.
This latest contract builds upon a previous enhancement made in December 2024, demonstrating a commitment to keeping Freeman at the top of the college coaching compensation landscape. Bevacqua views Freeman’s contract as a dynamic document, anticipating annual revisions to reflect his continued success and value.
From Player to Proven leader
Freeman’s journey to becoming a head coach is rooted in a strong playing background. He was an All-Big Ten linebacker at Ohio state under the guidance of Jim Tressel.
He was later drafted into the NFL in the fifth round in 2009. Following his playing career, Freeman transitioned into coaching, holding positions at Kent State, Purdue, and Cincinnati before arriving at Notre Dame as the defensive coordinator in 2021. He seamlessly stepped into the head coaching role following Brian Kelly’s departure to LSU.
Looking Ahead: Building on Momentum
You can expect continued success from the Fighting Irish under Freeman’s leadership. The program is poised to build on its recent momentum,particularly with the return of key players like quarterback CJ Carr.
However, Notre Dame will need to address the departure of All-America running back Jeremiyah Love, who has declared for the NFL draft, along with other graduating standouts.
Freeman’s commitment signals stability and a clear vision for the future of Notre Dame football. Its a win for the university, its fans, and a testament to the strong relationship between a coach and the institution he leads.
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