It’s Official: Former Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman Set to Begin New Era at West Virginia
MORGANTOWN, WV — In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the college football world, Marcus Freeman, the former head coach of Notre Dame, has officially taken the reins at West Virginia University. After an intense and often scrutinized tenure in South Bend, Freeman is stepping into a new chapter—one that promises grit, passion, and a reckoning in Morgantown.
Sources close to the Mountaineers athletic department confirmed that the five-year deal, reportedly worth $28.5 million, was finalized late last night after a marathon weekend of negotiations. Freeman, 39, was introduced to a roaring crowd at Milan Puskar Stadium, where the iconic blue-and-gold banners were swapped out with bold letters reading: “A New Climb Begins.”
Flanked by West Virginia officials and a visibly emotional coaching staff, Freeman took to the podium and addressed the press with a calm authority. “This program has heart,” he said. “What we’re building here isn’t just about wins. It’s about legacy, it’s about fire, and it’s about bringing West Virginia football back to national prominence.”
Freeman inherits a program in need of fresh direction. After a string of middling seasons and waning fan enthusiasm, the Mountaineers are eager for an identity—and Freeman brings one forged in steel. Known for his intensity, defensive genius, and relentless recruiting, Freeman turned Notre Dame into one of the fiercest defensive teams in the country, despite facing scrutiny for a few high-profile losses.
His move shocked many in the college football community. Most assumed Freeman would stay at Notre Dame or move to a powerhouse program in the SEC. Instead, he’s chosen a tougher path—one that fits his personality. Freeman is no stranger to adversity. A former linebacker at Ohio State, he fought through injuries, skepticism, and the weight of expectation to rise as one of college football’s brightest coaching minds.
In Morgantown, expectations are already building. Freeman has reportedly begun assembling a powerhouse staff, including former NFL defensive backs coach Tyrone Davis and rising offensive coordinator Cedric Young from Tulane. Recruiting insiders are already buzzing about five-star linebacker Kylan Moore flipping his commitment from Michigan to WVU after a late-night call with Freeman.
The locker room atmosphere has shifted as well. “You can feel it,” said junior safety Devon Harris. “It’s like we’re breathing different air. Coach Freeman’s got that edge. That ‘let’s go to war’ energy.”
It won’t be an easy climb. West Virginia opens the 2025 season against Penn State in Happy Valley—a crucible for any new coach. But Freeman doesn’t flinch. “We’re not backing down,” he said with a slight grin. “We’re coming in with our helmets low and our standards high.”
As night fell over Morgantown, the hills echoed with renewed hope. The Freeman Era has officially begun. And for the first time in years, the Mountaineers are no longer just dreaming of greatness—they’re marching straight toward it.
