While it looks like Notre Dame avoided losing head coach Marcus Freeman to the NFL, a new report suggests that he may only stick around for another season in South Bend.
Freeman was put into a difficult position when he was elevated from being Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator to head coach in 2022. He was following Brian Kelly, a coach who helped bring the program back to consistent relevancy in a way it had not seen since the days of Lou Holtz in the 1990s.
Yet, despite not being a head coach at a notable school before and only being in his 30s, Freeman excelled in the high-profile position. After going 9-4 in his 2022 debut season, the Irish have had double-digit win campaigns the last three years, including a memorable run through the college football playoffs to reach the championship game in 2024.
That is why it should come as no surprise that the 39-year-old has garnered interest from outside South Bend, including the NFL, over the last couple of months. However, late in December, Notre Dame fans got good news when Freeman pledged his allegiance to the school and received a sizable pay increase on the contract that runs through 2031.
- Marcus Freeman Record: 43-12
Marcus Freeman ‘Seriously Considered’ Leaving Notre Dame
Yet, while Freeman is loyal to Notre Dame right now, a new report from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini makes it seem like his exit to the NFL is an eventuality if he continues his strong work. Opening the door for speculation and a jump to the next level again after the 2026 college football season.
“Marcus Freeman seriously considered making the jump to the NFL, with multiple teams reaching out to gauge his interest, according to league sources,” Russini reports. “Though Freeman ultimately announced he’s staying at Notre Dame, there’s a strong belief around the league that this won’t be the last time his name is connected to NFL opportunities.
“The Giants, Titans, and Browns all had internal discussions about Freeman, as did the Steelers (in the event longtime coach Mike Tomlin decided to step away).”
The only jobs officially open recently were with the Giants and Titans. They may not have appealed to the Ohio native. However, that could definitely change after next season if more teams and better opportunities — perhaps the Kansas City Chiefs — come calling. If he seriously considered it in 2025, there is no reason to believe he won’t again this year.
