Marcus Freeman to Return to Notre Dame in 2026, Cementing His Status as a Rising Powerhouse in College Football
SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The message was short, but the meaning was loud and clear: Marcus Freeman is staying in South Bend.
“2026…run it back. Go Irish ☘️,” Freeman tweeted on Friday, signaling his return to Notre Dame for the 2026 season - and likely confirming a new contract extension, his second in as many years.
It’s a move that doesn’t just stabilize the future of Notre Dame football - it sends a message to the rest of college football: Marcus Freeman isn’t going anywhere.
A Coach on the Rise
Freeman, who turns 40 in early January, has been one of the fastest-rising stars in the coaching world since taking over the Notre Dame program. Just over a year ago, he inked his first extension with three years still remaining on his original six-year deal. Now, with another extension seemingly in place, Notre Dame is making it crystal clear: they’re all in on Freeman.
And why wouldn’t they be?
Since taking the reins, Freeman has led the Irish to a 43-12 record, including a 10-2 campaign this past season. That record alone would be enough to justify a long-term commitment, but it’s what he’s done in the postseason that’s really turned heads.
Under Freeman, Notre Dame picked up its first two major bowl wins in 30 years - taking home victories in both the Sugar and Orange Bowls. The Irish capped that run with a trip to the national title game, falling to Ohio State but proving they belong in the elite tier of college football.
That kind of trajectory doesn’t go unnoticed. And it hasn’t.
Big-Time Interest, Bigger-Time Commitment
Freeman’s rise has drawn attention far beyond the Golden Dome. Multiple college programs have reportedly shown interest, and even NFL franchises - including the New York Giants - have been linked to Freeman in recent months. But Notre Dame’s leadership isn’t just watching the market; they’re actively making sure Freeman knows he’s wanted.
Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua made that clear earlier this month, calling Freeman “the absolute best coach in the country for Notre Dame, full stop.”
“We feel blessed that he’s our coach,” Bevacqua said. “He knows he has that commitment from me, and more importantly, from the university.”
Bevacqua emphasized that Freeman’s contract isn’t something static - it’s a “living, breathing document” that will be adjusted annually to reflect his value. That kind of flexibility and support is rare, and it speaks volumes about how Notre Dame views Freeman’s role in the program’s future.
“I would never say we wouldn’t match anything when it comes to Marcus,” Bevacqua added. “Everybody has eyes on Marcus - college, the NFL. He deserves it.”
Awards, Accolades, and a Bright Future
Freeman’s impact hasn’t just been felt in the win column. In 2024, he swept several prestigious coaching honors, including the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award, the Dodd Trophy, and the George Munger Award - a trifecta that underscores just how respected he’s become in coaching circles.
And yet, perhaps the most impressive part of Freeman’s résumé is how much runway he still has. At just 39 years old, he’s already built a powerhouse program, guided it to the brink of a national championship, and earned the respect of his peers at every level. That’s not just rare - it’s nearly unprecedented.
What It Means for Notre Dame
For the Irish, Freeman’s return means continuity, stability, and a continued push toward elite status. The College Football Playoff snub this season stung - no doubt about it - but the program’s performance under Freeman has shown they’re not just knocking on the door. They’re ready to kick it down.
Notre Dame’s investment in Freeman isn’t just about keeping a coach. It’s about building a legacy. And if the past few years are any indication, Marcus Freeman is just getting started.
So yes, 2026 - run it back. Because in South Bend, the Freeman era is far from over.