$54M College Coach Shocking NFL Bid: Is This His Last Chance at Glory?

The jump from college football to the NFL is notoriously challenging, not only for players but also for coaches. While star athletes may struggle to adjust to the professional level, the hurdles for college coaches making the transition can be even greater. This reality is underscored by the experiences of several notable college coaches, including Lou Holtz, Steve Spurrier, and Nick Saban, who left prestigious college football positions only to return after unsuccessful tenures in the NFL. Conversely, some, like Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh, have found success at the professional level after years in college football, yet they remain exceptions rather than the rule.

Currently, two head coaching vacancies exist in the NFL—those of the Tennessee Titans and the New York Giants. Among the names circulating for the Giants' position is Marcus Freeman, head coach of Notre Dame, whose recent performance has elevated his profile significantly.

Freeman's odds for becoming the next Giants' head coach have improved notably since Notre Dame was excluded from the 2025 College Football Playoff. His journey with the Fighting Irish began when he joined the staff as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 2021 after serving in similar roles at Cincinnati. Following Brian Kelly's departure to LSU, Freeman was promoted to head coach.

Despite an initial rough start, with losses to Ohio State (21-10) and Marshall (26-21), Freeman led the Fighting Irish to a commendable 10-3 record in 2022, culminating in a victory over South Carolina in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. The 2023 season had its challenges, as the team faced setbacks against Ohio State (17-14), Louisville (33-20), and Clemson (31-23), yet Freeman managed to guide Notre Dame to another 10-win season.

Freeman's upward trajectory continued into the 2024 season. After a narrow loss to Northern Illinois (16-14), the Fighting Irish rallied to win 11 consecutive games, marking their return to the College Football Playoff for the first time in four years. They defeated Indiana (27-17), Georgia (23-10), and Penn State (27-24) before falling to Ohio State (34-23) in the national championship game.

Should Freeman decide to leave for the Giants, he would be stepping into a challenging environment. Since Tom Coughlin's tenure (2004-2015), the Giants have struggled with coaching stability, having failed to maintain a head coach for more than four seasons. Ben McAdoo (2016-2017), Pat Shurmur (2018-2019), and Joe Judge (2020-2021) each experienced short tenures, leaving the organization in search of a consistent leader. Brian Daboll, who won the NFL Coach of the Year award in 2022, was the last head coach to be terminated on November 10, 2025, leaving behind a record of 20-40-1.

The potential transition for Freeman to the NFL underscores the larger narrative of the challenges faced by college coaches at the professional level. As they navigate the complexities of the NFL and its unique demands, the outcomes of their stints can vary widely, making the pursuit of stability within a franchise all the more critical.