Notre Dame has never been overly concerned about Marcus Freeman leaving for another college job, but NFL interest is a more serious consideration as the pro coaching carousel begins to turn.
Freeman publicly brushed off speculation during a recent media appearance, insisting he was staying put. Since then, he has avoided commenting on Notre Dame’s exclusion from the College Football Playoff or the program’s decision to skip the postseason. Even so, he remains one of the most talked-about figures in the sport. Several major programs including Penn State, Florida and LSU quietly reached out through his representatives, though Notre Dame shut those conversations down quickly. Short of an opening at Freeman’s alma mater, Ohio State, the school is confident it can fend off college suitors.
The NFL presents a different challenge. Athletic director Pete Bevacqua has made it clear Notre Dame is prepared to do whatever it takes to retain Freeman, publicly praising him and signaling a willingness to match any offer. Contract talks are ongoing, with both sides motivated to finalize a revised deal that would keep Freeman among the highest-paid coaches without a national title.
Despite limited NFL experience, Freeman’s leadership style, culture-building approach and rising profile have caught the attention of pro teams. The Chicago Bears explored the idea last year before hiring Ben Johnson, and the New York Giants have since shown interest, aided by organizational ties to Notre Dame. Still, Freeman’s résumé four seasons as a head coach with one standout year and several uneven campaigns may give NFL decision-makers pause.
Privately, Freeman has been advised to stay in college for now, where he enjoys more control and stability. Veteran voices like Urban Meyer have echoed that sentiment, warning about the unpredictability of the NFL. Financially, the gap between top college coaches and most NFL head coaches is not as wide as it once was.
Notre Dame’s strategy to keep Freeman centers on support rather than just salary. The university has invested heavily in staff, facilities, recruiting and the transfer portal, leaving Freeman with few frustrations and strong institutional backing. Unlike past departures driven by resource concerns, Freeman appears fully aligned with Notre Dame’s vision, making his future at least for now firmly rooted in South Bend.
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