Marcus Freeman Discusses NFL Interest After Notre Dame’s CFP Miss

Notre Dame football head coach Marcus Freeman recently addressed speculation regarding his potential NFL opportunities. While Freeman welcomes interest, he emphasizes his commitment to the Irish program amidst challenges.

Freeman’s Commitment to Notre Dame Amid NFL Speculation

During a press conference on December 3, 2023, Freeman discussed a range of topics, including Notre Dame’s absence from the College Football Playoff (CFP) and their choice to bypass non-CFP bowl games. He touched on the team’s activities in the transfer portal and updates on his coaching staff.

Future of Notre Dame Football

Freeman’s future with the program has been a major topic since he was linked to several NFL coaching vacancies. According to reports from The Athletic, he has emerged as a candidate for multiple teams, including the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers. However, Freeman maintains that he is focused on his role at Notre Dame.

Freeman’s NFL Interest

• Freeman stated, “I’m the head coach at Notre Dame,” reinforcing his commitment to the college program.
• He acknowledged NFL interest as a reflection of team success.
• Freeman hinted at his uncertainty about pursuing an NFL coaching role in the future.

On December 29, Freeman expressed his commitment towards the future of Notre Dame via social media, tweeting, “2026…run it back.” His comments indicated that while he has received interest, he informed at least two NFL franchises of his intention to remain at Notre Dame.

Contract and Coaching Stability

Sources indicate that Notre Dame and Freeman have agreed to an improved contract this offseason, aligning his compensation with the current market levels following recent coaching vacancies at top programs such as LSU, Florida, and Penn State. Freeman is believed to be among the highest-paid coaches in college football who have yet to win a national championship.

Transfer Portal and Recruitment

As Freeman works to enhance the program, Notre Dame is finalizing its transfer portal strategy, aiming to bring in seven new players with extended eligibility. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years, where only two players were signed across the last four recruiting classes. Additionally, Notre Dame recently secured its highest-rated class of high school recruits in modern history.

Freeman expressed his aspiration to achieve personal and team success at Notre Dame, stating, “Everything I want and everything that I need personally can be achieved right here as the head coach of this program.” His commitment to Notre Dame suggests a focused effort to lead the team towards a successful future.