Notre Dame football fans can breathe a sigh of relief: Marcus Freeman isn’t leaving South Bend anytime soon.
On Sunday, the Fighting Irish announced a long-term contract extension for their head coach, dispelling speculation about his potential leap to the NFL, particularly to the Chicago Bears.
Freeman’s extension cements his place among the top earners in all of college football.
The move comes at a critical juncture for Notre Dame, which is preparing to compete in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff.
Freeman has guided the Irish to an impressive 11-1 record this season, earning them a spot in the national championship hunt.
They’ll face No. 8 Indiana this Friday in a quarterfinal showdown. (Chance of snow in South Bend by the way.)
Despite rumblings linking him to the Bears’ head coaching vacancy, Freeman made it clear he’s staying put.
“I love this school, I love these players, and I’m not looking to leave,” Freeman previously said.
His commitment helps Notre Dame avoid the turbulence they faced in 2021 when former head coach Brian Kelly unexpectedly departed for LSU.
Freeman, then serving as Kelly’s defensive coordinator, was promoted to interim head coach for the Fiesta Bowl before being officially named head coach.
The decision to hire Freeman, an internal candidate, sparked debate at the time, with some fans speculating he might follow Kelly to LSU or that the university might look for a more prominent name.
Ultimately, the Fighting Irish placed their trust in Freeman, and it’s paid off.
In three seasons under Freeman, Notre Dame has gone 30-9, including an 11-4 record against nationally ranked teams.
This season’s standout performance marks a high point in his tenure, with Freeman steering the team into the expanded playoff format and securing their position as a national title contender.
(As impressive as the Irish have been, how in the world did they lose at home to Northern Illinois?!?)
The extension underscores Notre Dame’s faith in Freeman’s ability to lead the program to sustained success.
At just 38 years old, he’s widely regarded as one of the brightest young minds in college football.
Having said that, Freeman still has his fair share of critics. There are some who wouldn’t have mind seeing him leave for the Bears or another team.
The bottom line is Freeman brings plenty to the table. He’s an excellent recruiter and players love playing for him. That definitely counts for something.
Freeman would be the first to admit that there are areas of coaching that he needs to get better in. Irish fans are hoping he’ll make those improvements.
What are your thoughts on Notre Dame giving Freeman a contract extension?
While we’re on the subject, what’s your realistic expectations for the Irish in the playoffs?
Do Freeman and company have what it takes to win the national championship???
