Is Marcus Freeman's Shocking NFL Move About to Leave Notre Dame Football in Ruins?

SOUTH BEND — As the NFL hiring season approaches, **Notre Dame** football coach **Marcus Freeman** has emerged as a top candidate for several teams looking to make high-profile coaching changes. However, **Irish athletic director Pete Bevacqua** is committed to ensuring that Freeman remains firmly entrenched at Notre Dame. “One of my main obligations and responsibilities to this university is to make sure Marcus wakes up every day knowing that he is supported and valued by Notre Dame,” Bevacqua stated during a recent news conference. “I can say with 100% certainty he feels that way.”

At just under 40 years old, Freeman boasts an impressive record of **43-12** over four seasons, translating to a **78.2% winning percentage**. Despite a rocky **0-2** start this season, the team was positioned well for a second consecutive **College Football Playoff** appearance before a recent defeat. Freeman's previous contract extension, signed in December 2023, extends through **2030** and reportedly pays him around **$9.5 million** annually. This figure lags behind other top coaches, including **Curt Cignetti** of **Indiana**, who recently received a raise to **$11.7 million**.

“I would never say we wouldn’t match anything when it comes to Marcus,” Bevacqua assured. “I make sure that he knows that he will be where he deserves to be, and that is at the top, top, top tier of college football coaches when it comes to compensation every year.” He emphasized that Freeman's contract is "a living, breathing document" that will be revised annually to ensure he receives appropriate compensation for his accomplishments.

Growing NFL Interest in Freeman

Interest in Freeman has already been noted by NFL teams. The **Chicago Bears** included him on their wish list before hiring **Ben Johnson**, the offensive coordinator for the **Detroit Lions**. Likewise, the **New York Giants**, led by general manager **Joe Schoen**, have expressed admiration for Freeman, who is originally from **Elkhart**. This interest extends even to **New England Patriots** coach **Mike Vrabel**, who mentioned on a national podcast that he had attempted to hire Freeman multiple times in the past. “I think Marcus Freeman is an absolute stud,” Vrabel said. “Notre Dame is in good hands with Marcus Freeman.”

Bevacqua is clearly aligned with this sentiment. “Everybody has eyes on Marcus,” he remarked. “College has eyes on Marcus. NFL has eyes on Marcus. I bet Hollywood has eyes on Marcus. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s in the next **Leo DiCaprio** movie with **Martin Scorsese**.” He added that Freeman is not just a coach but integral to the fabric of Notre Dame, noting his presence at various athletic events and interactions with students.

Since arriving at Notre Dame as **Brian Kelly**’s defensive coordinator in 2021, Freeman has established deep roots with his family, making other coaching opportunities less appealing. Reports indicate he has declined offers from other schools, including **LSU**, **Florida**, and **Penn State**. While the allure of the NFL is significant, former Notre Dame assistant **Urban Meyer** advised Freeman to remain in college football, citing the greater control he has at the collegiate level. “In college, it’s you,” Meyer stated. “You have controllables.”

Freeman's coaching effectiveness is evident; under pressure to win over the last two seasons, he led the Irish to a **23-1** record after early setbacks. The team has shown remarkable resilience, bouncing back from defeats with decisive victories, including a **10-game winning streak** this season with an average margin of victory of **29.7 points**. With **Bevacqua** securing a memorandum of understanding with the **College Football Playoff** that guarantees Notre Dame a spot in a **12- or 14-team field** in 2026, the stage is set for Freeman to chase the school's first national title in football since **1988**.

“Notre Dame is totally aligned around the importance of college football for Notre Dame,” Bevacqua said confidently. “We’re totally aligned on how Freeman is the perfect coach for Notre Dame. He’s part of this university. He’s part of the fabric of this university.” With the NFL's watchful eye and a promising future ahead at Notre Dame, Freeman’s journey in coaching remains one to follow closely.