Marcus Freeman Set To Leave Notre Dame For NFL After National Championship Game?
Marcus Freeman Set To Leave Notre Dame For NFL After National Championship Game?

Marcus Freeman’s coaching career at Notre Dame has been nothing short of remarkable. In just three seasons, he has led the Fighting Irish to an impressive 14-1 record, positioning the team as a top contender in college football. Freeman’s success has not gone unnoticed, attracting attention from NFL teams seeking new leadership.
The Chicago Bears have expressed significant interest in Freeman. Reports suggest the Bears have conducted extensive research on the Notre Dame coach over several months. This interest has sparked speculation about Freeman’s potential transition to the professional ranks.
“You know, obviously, the Bears’ president, Kevin Warren, was the president of the Big Ten. I could totally see why he would be very enamored with Marcus. Marcus has really grown in the last couple of years as a head coach, and he put together a terrific staff,” Bruce Feldman said this week.
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Freeman’s coaching style and success have drawn comparisons to Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams. His ability to build a strong staff and lead a prestigious program at a young age – Freeman recently turned 39 – has impressed many in the football world.
Despite the NFL interest, several factors suggest Freeman may stay at Notre Dame:
- Family considerations: Freeman has six children, and the family is reportedly comfortable in South Bend.
- Career trajectory: At 39, Freeman has time to pursue NFL opportunities in the future if desired.
- Program loyalty: Notre Dame gave Freeman a significant opportunity, which he appears to value highly.
- Unfinished business: A potential national championship could cement his legacy at Notre Dame.
“I think Marcus knows people around Notre Dame gave him a big opportunity and he is thriving in it. He’s got a pretty young family — six kids,” Feldman added.
“They had the chance to either go to Baton Rouge or to be the DC at Notre Dame. He chose Notre Dame because I think they felt comfortable with the fit there. Everything has gone exceptionally well. He just turned 39 last week. The NFL will be there for him if he wants it five years from now. A lot of people have taken the Bears job and it has not worked out.”
The upcoming College Football Playoff National Championship game against Ohio State presents a crucial moment in Freeman’s career. A victory would not only solidify Notre Dame’s status but also enhance Freeman’s coaching reputation.
Freeman’s decision will likely consider:
- Long-term career goals
- Family stability
- Loyalty to Notre Dame
- Potential for continued success in college football
While the allure of the NFL is undeniable, the challenges of transitioning to professional coaching – particularly with a team like the Bears, who have had mixed success with previous hires – may give Freeman pause.
As Notre Dame prepares for their championship game, Freeman’s focus remains on leading his team to victory. His performance in this high-stakes matchup could influence his future prospects, whether at Notre Dame or potentially in the NFL
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.