Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has captured the attention of the football world after leading the Fighting Irish to their first National Championship appearance since 2013. His success in South Bend has naturally sparked interest from NFL teams, with the Chicago Bears reportedly eyeing Freeman as a potential candidate for their head coaching vacancy.
However, if Fighting Irish fans are concerned about losing their coach, recent comments from ESPN insider Adam Schefter suggest there may not be much to worry about. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Schefter provided some clarity on Freeman’s future:
“I’ve heard that Marcus Freeman is happy at Notre Dame,” Schefter stated. “He did sign that deal recently. Whether that’s leverage or not, I can’t say. But from what I know, there’s no indication that he’s itching to leave for the NFL.”
Freeman’s recent four-year contract extension reinforces the belief that he’s committed to staying in South Bend. While Notre Dame, as a private university, keeps the specific terms of the deal confidential, the extension signals that Freeman and the school are invested in a long-term partnership.
Sarkisian in the Mix
Meanwhile, another prominent college coach, Steve Sarkisian, has been linked to potential NFL opportunities. Sarkisian, who has prior NFL experience as an offensive coordinator, is reportedly generating buzz among teams looking for a proven offensive mind. Unlike Freeman, Sarkisian’s season is already over, making him more immediately available for discussions. Schefter added that this timing could play a role in NFL teams reaching out to Sarkisian in the coming weeks.
Focused on the Task at Hand
While speculation continues to swirl, Marcus Freeman remains laser-focused on his current objective: leading Notre Dame in the National Championship game. His Fighting Irish squad faces a daunting challenge against a red-hot Ohio State team led by head coach Ryan Day. The game, scheduled for Monday, January 20, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, promises to be the biggest test of Freeman’s coaching career.
Freeman’s calm demeanor and methodical approach have been instrumental in Notre Dame’s resurgence this season. His ability to connect with players, instill confidence, and execute on the field has made him one of the hottest coaching names in football. Despite the allure of the NFL, Freeman’s recent comments and actions suggest he’s firmly planted at Notre Dame for the foreseeable future.
The NFL’s Interest
Still, the NFL’s interest in Freeman is no surprise. His meteoric rise as a head coach, combined with his success in both recruiting and player development, makes him a desirable candidate. Yet, the leap from college to the NFL is a significant one, requiring not just tactical acumen but also the ability to navigate the complexities of a professional locker room. For now, Freeman appears content to continue building his legacy at Notre Dame, where he has quickly become a beloved figure.
What’s Next for Sarkisian and Freeman?
As the coaching carousel spins, both Freeman and Sarkisian will remain prominent figures in the conversation. Sarkisian’s name has already been floated as a candidate for NFL openings, thanks to his offensive expertise and previous experience in the league. Freeman, on the other hand, seems more rooted in his current role, at least for now.
Whether either coach ultimately makes the jump to the professional ranks remains to be seen. For Freeman, the immediate focus is on cementing his place in Notre Dame history by capturing a National Championship. As for Sarkisian, the NFL’s offseason activity may soon provide clarity on whether his future lies in the collegiate or professional ranks.
As the National Championship approaches, all eyes will be on Marcus Freeman to see if he can deliver Notre Dame its first title in over a decade. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on January 20, live from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
