Marcus Freeman isn’t going anywhere - and that’s big news in South Bend.
Despite being one of the most sought-after names in both the college and professional coaching circles, Freeman has turned down multiple NFL opportunities to stay put as the head coach of Notre Dame. According to sources, Freeman informed at least two NFL teams that he’s committed to the Fighting Irish for the long haul.
The school confirmed the move with a restructured contract that now runs through 2031. While the financial details weren’t disclosed, one source noted that the new deal places Freeman among the top-tier earners in college football.
This isn’t just a win for Notre Dame - it’s a statement.
Freeman, who originally signed a six-year deal just last year, has quickly become one of the most respected young coaches in the game. At 39, he’s already built a résumé that rivals some of the biggest names in the sport.
His decision to stay isn’t about a lack of options. Far from it.
The NFL interest was real, with the New York Giants reportedly among the teams most aggressively pursuing him. He was also linked to high-profile college vacancies at Michigan, LSU, Florida, and Penn State.
But Freeman chose stability. He chose trust. And he chose to keep building something special at Notre Dame.
Sources close to the situation say one of the biggest factors in Freeman’s decision was his belief in the university’s leadership and long-term vision. That mutual trust between coach and institution is rare in today’s coaching carousel, where loyalty often takes a backseat to bigger paychecks or flashier programs.
Freeman’s not chasing the next opportunity - he’s chasing a national title. And after coming up short against Ohio State this year, he’s more motivated than ever.
Let’s talk numbers - because Freeman’s track record speaks for itself.
In just a few seasons at the helm, Freeman has posted a 43-12 record, good for a .782 winning percentage. That ranks sixth in Notre Dame history, no small feat considering the legends who’ve paced the sidelines in South Bend.
Over the past two seasons, he’s gone 24-4 - the best two-year stretch the program has seen. Among coaches who’ve led the Irish for at least 50 games, Freeman sits behind only Knute Rockne, Frank Leahy, and Ara Parseghian.
That’s elite company.
Notre Dame finished this season with a 10-2 record, rattling off 10 straight wins after a rocky start. Still, they were left out of the College Football Playoff - a decision that didn’t sit well with many in the Notre Dame community.
Freeman hasn’t shied away from that disappointment. Instead, he’s using it as fuel.
There’s a quiet confidence around this program now, the kind that comes from knowing your coach isn’t just a good recruiter or a sharp play-caller - he’s a true leader. Freeman has built a culture rooted in accountability, development, and belief.
And now, with a long-term deal in place, the message to players, recruits, and fans is clear: Notre Dame is all in on Marcus Freeman. And Marcus Freeman is all in on Notre Dame.
In an era where coaching loyalty is rare, Freeman’s decision to stay isn’t just refreshing - it’s a game-changer.