Marcus Freeman Locks in Long-Term Deal as Notre Dame Prepares for CFP Showdown
Notre Dame football fans, buckle up! The Fighting Irish are making waves both on and off the field. Head coach Marcus Freeman has just inked a long-term extension that cements his place among the highest-paid coaches in the nation. A Notre Dame official confirmed the news to ESPN on Sunday, and according to a source, the deal is believed to be a four-year extension that secures Freeman for six more years in South Bend. This comes as Freeman had two years remaining on his current contract.
In a prepared statement, Freeman expressed his gratitude for the university’s unwavering support. “I am grateful for the support of the Board of Trustees, led by John Veihmeyer, President Fr. Bob Dowd, C.S.C., and Director of Athletics Pete Bevacqua,” Freeman said. “The investment they continue to pour into our program is invaluable to our student-athletes and staff. This commitment goes well beyond myself, as they are dedicated to ensuring all aspects of our program are competitive within the upper echelon of college football.”
Freeman’s Stellar Record Speaks Volumes
Freeman’s track record as a head coach is nothing short of impressive. With a 30-9 record in his third season at the helm, he has led the No. 7-ranked Fighting Irish to a first-round home College Football Playoff (CFP) game against No. 10 Indiana this Friday. The Irish are riding high on a 10-game winning streak after a shocking early-season loss to Northern Illinois on September 7. They enter the inaugural 12-team playoff with an 11-1 record, and fans are buzzing with excitement.
This marks Notre Dame’s third CFP appearance (previously in 2018 and 2020), but it’s the first under Freeman’s leadership. Adding to the intrigue, this will also be the first time the Irish play a game at Notre Dame Stadium on a Friday. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as the winner of this matchup will face No. 2 Georgia on January 1, 2025, in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
Freeman’s Journey to the Top
Freeman’s rise within the Notre Dame program has been nothing short of meteoric. He was promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach in 2021 after Brian Kelly departed to take the head coaching job at LSU. In his first season as head coach in 2022, Freeman guided the Irish to a 9-4 record, capped off with a victory over South Carolina in the Gator Bowl. He followed that up with a 10-3 season in 2023, which included a win against Oregon State in the Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl. Freeman became just the third head coach in Notre Dame history to post 10-win seasons in each of his first two years.
Before joining Notre Dame, Freeman honed his craft as the defensive coordinator at Cincinnati for four seasons. His defensive expertise has been a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy, and it’s paying dividends for the Irish. Just last week, Notre Dame’s defense delivered two jaw-dropping pick-sixes—one for 99 yards and another for 100 yards—in the fourth quarter of a game, showcasing the kind of grit and determination Freeman has instilled in his team.
What This Means for Notre Dame
Freeman’s extension is a clear signal that Notre Dame is all-in on its football program. The university’s leadership is making a bold statement: they’re committed to competing at the highest level of college football. This investment isn’t just about Freeman; it’s about building a program that can consistently contend for national championships.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what Freeman’s tenure has brought to Notre Dame so far:
- Three consecutive bowl game appearances, including two wins (Gator Bowl and Sun Bowl).
- Back-to-back 10-win seasons in his first two years as head coach.
- A return to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2020.
- A defensive unit that continues to deliver game-changing plays.
As the Irish prepare for their CFP showdown against Indiana, the excitement in South Bend is palpable. Freeman’s leadership has not only revitalized the program but also given fans a reason to believe that Notre Dame can reclaim its place among college football’s elite.
Looking Ahead
With Freeman locked in for the foreseeable future, the Fighting Irish are poised for sustained success. The upcoming playoff game against Indiana is just the beginning of what could be a historic run for Notre Dame. If they can get past Indiana and take on Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, the sky’s the limit for this team.
For now, all eyes are on Friday’s game. Can Freeman and the Irish keep their momentum going and make a deep playoff run? One thing’s for sure: Notre Dame fans wouldn’t want anyone else leading the charge.
Originally Written by: Adam Rittenberg
