Several high-profile college football head coaching jobs have opened up this offseason. Yet, the college football coaching carousel has quieted down. Meanwhile, the NFL coaching carousel is just starting to spin.
With eight current NFL head coaching vacancies and possibly more on the way, rumors are flying all over the place. Even in college football, where some are still monitoring a significant change.
Specifically, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said that “every NFL team that covets” Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman “basically ignored” his announcement that he’ll remain coach of the Fighting Irish in 2026.
“These teams who viewed him highly still believe there is a chance that he comes to the NFL,” Rapoport said. “They still believe that he’s a top-tier candidate.”
With eight teams hunting for a new head coach, Freeman’s track record could stick out as a strong leader who can develop NFL talent. The 40-year-old has led Notre Dame to a 43-12 record across five seasons. He’s also gone 5-2 in bowl games, even making an appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2024.
Having accomplished nearly everything he can at the college level, it may be time for Freeman to take the leap to the NFL. If Freeman did leave Notre Dame, it would open up yet another high-profile coaching gig at the college level. One that surely would be filled quickly.
Related: Fired NFL Head Coach Could Sign TV Deal This Offseason
