Giants Eye Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman in Expansive Head Coach Search
The New York Giants are diving headfirst into what could be one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent franchise history - and they’re not limiting their search to just the NFL ranks. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is firmly on their radar as a top candidate, and while luring him from South Bend won’t be easy, the Giants’ interest is very real.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Freeman is expected to be a leading name among college coaches in the Giants’ upcoming head coaching search. And make no mistake - this isn’t a narrow focus.
The Giants are casting a wide net, reportedly considering offensive and defensive minds, college risers, and experienced NFL veterans alike. But among the collegiate candidates, Freeman is believed to be front and center.
Freeman's Stock Is Sky-High - And So Is the Price Tag
Freeman has quickly built a reputation as one of the brightest young minds in college football. At just 39, he’s led Notre Dame to a 43-12 record since taking over in December 2021. That includes a 14-2 campaign in 2024 that ended with a trip to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, followed by a 10-2 season in 2025 that left the Irish on the outside looking in - a controversial CFP snub that only added to Freeman’s mystique.
He’s known for his calm demeanor, strong leadership, and a CEO-style presence that oversees the full scope of a program - not just one side of the ball. That’s exactly the kind of voice the Giants are looking for in their next head coach: someone who can reset the culture, command the room, and bring discipline and accountability to a locker room that’s sorely lacked it.
But here’s the challenge - Freeman isn’t exactly on the market.
He signed a four-year contract extension with Notre Dame in December 2024, locking him in through the 2030 season at a reported $9 million annually. That deal likely includes a hefty buyout clause, which could exceed $10 million - a serious financial hurdle for any NFL team, even one as desperate for a turnaround as the Giants.
Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua has made it clear he’s not letting Freeman go without a fight. Speaking to ESPN, Bevacqua said, “Everybody has eyes on Marcus.
College has eyes on Marcus, NFL has eyes on Marcus. I bet Hollywood has eyes on Marcus.”
That’s not just lip service - he’s reportedly prepared to revise Freeman’s deal annually to ensure he remains one of the highest-paid coaches in the college game.
Will Freeman Listen?
Despite the obstacles, there’s reason to believe Freeman could at least entertain the idea of making the jump to the NFL.
ESPN’s Josh Pate echoed Garafolo’s report, adding that while he expects Freeman to remain at Notre Dame next season, he also expects the coach to listen to what the Giants have to say. That’s a key distinction. Freeman may not be actively seeking an exit, but when one of the NFL’s legacy franchises comes calling - especially one offering full control and a chance to lead a rebuild - it’s worth picking up the phone.
Still, the lack of NFL coaching experience is a real concern. Freeman has never coached at the professional level, and the college-to-NFL transition is notoriously hit-or-miss.
The Giants are in a fragile spot. After years of instability, they need a leader who can deliver results quickly.
That’s a tall order for any first-time NFL head coach, no matter how impressive the college résumé.
What Freeman Could Bring to New York
If the Giants do manage to land Freeman, they won’t just be hiring a coach - they’d be bringing in a tone-setter. He’s built a reputation as a leader who commands respect, sets high standards, and builds a culture that players buy into. That’s exactly what the Giants need right now.
This isn’t just about X’s and O’s. Freeman’s appeal lies in his ability to lead an entire organization, to restore pride in the locker room, and to get buy-in from a roster that’s lacked direction. He’s the type of coach who could reshape the Giants’ identity from the ground up.
But again, it’s a gamble. And with the Giants needing stability and quick improvement, they’ll have to weigh that risk carefully against other candidates who may bring more NFL experience to the table.
What’s Next
As the NFL regular season winds down, coaching searches will start heating up. The Giants are expected to be aggressive in their pursuit of the right fit, and Freeman will almost certainly be part of those conversations. Whether that leads to an interview - or something more - remains to be seen.
But one thing’s for sure: Marcus Freeman is no longer just a rising star in college football. He’s now a name to watch in the NFL coaching carousel. And if the Giants are serious about a culture reset, they could do far worse than the man who’s already done it at one of college football’s most storied programs.