Marcus Freeman's Future is Bright At Notre Dame or Elsewhere (CFB)
CFB

Marcus Freeman's Future is Bright At Notre Dame or Elsewhere

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
author image

Since taking over for Brian Kelly nearly three years ago, Marcus Freeman's tenure as the bench boss at Notre Dame has been a compelling mix of tradition, leadership, and adaptation to the ever-evolving college landscape. A former standout at Ohio State, and a fast-rising defensive coordinator before his promotion, Freeman has provided a fresh, youthful energy to South Bend and into one of football’s most historic programs. 

However, while Notre Dame heads toward the postseason, with an all but inevitable CFP berth on the horizon, questions about Freeman's future—whether in the NFL or a potential lateral move in college football—have begun to swirl.

Freeman's impact at Notre Dame goes beyond the X’s and O’s. Taking the reins from a coach like Kelly, who left as the program's all-time winningest coach, was no small feat. Freeman has maintained a level of consistency in terms of recruiting, positioning Notre Dame as a perennial top-15 contender nationally, while emphasizing relationships with players and recruits to bring players to South Bend, Indiana—a geographic location that is often tough to sell to kids and their parental figures. 

On the field, Freeman has implemented a defensive-minded philosophy while maintaining the balanced offensive identity Notre Dame is known for. The development of quarterback Sam Hartman after his transfer from Wake Forest last year showcased Freeman's ability to manage talent and improve the Irish’s offensive output. The same can be said this fall, where Duke transfer Riley Leonard—a dual-threat signal-caller—has led the offense to success each and every week, proving to win games in a variety of facets. And on defense, as they always have, Notre Dame remains one of the nation's most disciplined and physical units, a reflection of Freeman's background.

Freeman has also modernized the program in subtle, but meaningful ways. While staying true to Notre Dame's academic standards, he has embraced NIL opportunities for players and made targeted use of the transfer portal to plug roster gaps.

Freeman’s ability to prepare his team for high-stakes matchups will be crucial as Notre Dame seeks to make a CFP run. His composure under pressure, combined with the steady improvement of his players, suggests that this team is built to contend not only this year but for seasons to come.

And now, Freeman’s coaching profile has begun to draw interest from NFL circles, most recently the Chicago Bears. A Midwest native (Huber Heights, Ohio) with strong ties to the region, Freeman’s name naturally aligns with Chicago, a franchise currently in search of a new head coach. His defensive expertise, charisma, and ability to connect with players make him an attractive candidate for a league that has increasingly valued younger, player-focused coaches. And considering the Bears’ current roster, those traits align with who Freeman is to his core. 

However, the transition from college to the NFL is never as straightforward as it seems. Adjusting to a faster pace of play, greater autonomy of players, and the absence of recruiting responsibilities are just a few things Freeman would adjust to. Still, his ability to lead a group of grown men, which often goes overlooked in the coaching cycle, suggests he could not only succeed but thrive in such a role.

Then there’s also the possibility of Ohio State making a move for Freeman, his alma mater, which looms as a tantalizing subplot. Ryan Day’s tenure in Columbus, though highly successful, has been marked by frustration in high-leverage moments, as shown against Michigan to wrap up the season. While the move could be considered lateral in terms of historic prestige, the Ohio State job offers inherent advantages in recruiting reach, facilities, NIL resources, and access to the Big Ten's growing influence in college football. For Freeman, such a decision would hinge on his loyalty to Notre Dame versus the allure of returning home to lead a program where he once starred as a player.

In all, Freeman's future is as bright as his leadership and fire as a leader. Whether he remains at Notre Dame, pursues the NFL, or takes a potential opportunity elsewhere in college football, his trajectory appears limitless. For now, however, his focus remains on guiding Notre Dame in a new-look CFP.



Loading...
Privacy Policy

© Copyright 2025 The Draft Network