Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has quickly become one of the most well-respected in college football. After Brian Kelly left the Fighting Irish high and dry to take the same job with LSU four years ago, the former defensive coordinator jumped into the lead role and has posted a 43-12 record in his four seasons overseeing the program. Including a trip to the National Championship game in year three.
That’s why it should come as no surprise that he is drawing interest from all over the sport, including from NFL teams, according to an ESPN report this week. If the 39-year-old did leave Notre Dame early in 2026, let’s look at five places he could land, including with the New York Giants.
New York Giants
In the ESPN report, the Giants were mentioned as a team that is already looking at Freeman as a candidate to replace fired head coach Brian Daboll. There have been many college coaches who failed at the next level. However, the ND coach seems like a different breed. Furthermore, he is a young coach who might be able to better connect with the current generation of players in ways older and more experienced coaches can’t.
The Giants already have some nice pieces on defense. The long-time defensive coordinator might be able to elevate that group.
Cleveland Browns
While the Cleveland Browns don’t have an opening yet, it is looking like things are probably heading that way soon. They have some good talent on the roster, including superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett. Freeman might be able to get their defense back to being one of the best in the league and could be able to better connect with you QBs Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Considering the Browns’ history, they should at the very least consider the Ohio native if the job becomes available.
Las Vegas Raiders
Despite hiring Pete Carroll earlier this year, there are a lot of rumors that the future Hall of Famer could be one and done with the Las Vegas Raiders. The franchise has always been known for outside-the-box choices when it comes to its head coaches. So it would not be a surprise if Marcus Freeman were a candidate if they moved on from Carroll after this season.
Cincinnati Bengals
Freeman already has a history in Cincinnati after serving as a DC with the Cincinnati Bearcats before moving to Notre Dame. While the Cincinnati Bengals‘ job isn’t open yet, after Joe Burrow’s unexpected rant about losing his love for the game this week, he could have a new head coach soon.
With Cincy having elite pieces on offense, Freeman would probably jump at the opportunity to use his defensive expertise to try and fix that side of the ball and potentially lead a Super Bowl contender immediately.
Michigan Wolverines
While it’s not in the NFL, a massive head coaching job just became available after Michigan shockingly fired head coach Sherrone Moore this week. While he has a very good job in South Bend, the Wolverines’ program is a level above and would offer more resources and fewer restrictions as he pursues a National Championship.
