Marcus Freeman Draws NFL Attention Amid Giants Head Coach Rumors
Marcus Freeman’s name is officially in the NFL conversation - and not just in passing. The Notre Dame head coach has reportedly made the shortlist for the New York Giants’ head coaching vacancy, a development that’s stirred up plenty of buzz across both college and pro football circles.
According to multiple reports, including The Athletic, Freeman is one of five candidates under consideration as the Giants begin their post-Brian Daboll era. He’s joined on that list by current NFL coordinators and offensive minds like Jeff Hafley, Lou Anarumo, Kliff Kingsbury, and Klint Kubiak. But Freeman’s inclusion has sparked a unique wave of reaction - and not all of it supportive.
Let’s be clear: Freeman’s résumé at Notre Dame is impressive. In 2025, he led the Fighting Irish to a 10-2 record, building on a strong season that included a lengthy winning streak.
Over his four-plus seasons in South Bend, Freeman has compiled a 43-12 record and even guided the Irish to a national championship game appearance. That kind of success at one of the sport’s most storied programs doesn’t go unnoticed - especially by NFL front offices looking for leadership and culture builders.
But here’s the rub: Freeman has never coached in the NFL.
That lack of professional experience has become a lightning rod for criticism, particularly among fans who question whether a jump from college to the pros - especially to a high-pressure job like the Giants - is too steep. Social media lit up with reactions the moment Freeman’s name was linked to New York. Some fans joked about his future, others dismissed the idea outright, and a few questioned whether he’d even be interested in leaving South Bend at all.
The skepticism isn’t entirely surprising. The Giants are coming off a turbulent stretch, and their fan base is understandably wary of another coaching experiment.
After all, this is a franchise that’s cycled through multiple head coaches in recent years, each with varying levels of NFL experience and success. So the idea of turning to a college coach - even one as respected as Freeman - was always going to be met with a mix of curiosity and concern.
Still, it’s not just the Giants who are reportedly eyeing Freeman. Chicago Sports and other outlets have noted that multiple NFL teams are monitoring his situation.
The interest goes beyond one franchise - it’s league-wide. Insiders believe Freeman could be in play for several openings as the coaching carousel spins into full gear in the coming weeks.
That kind of attention speaks volumes. Freeman has built a reputation as a leader who connects with players, commands respect, and knows how to build a winning program.
Those are traits that translate at any level - college or pro. And with the NFL increasingly looking for fresh voices and adaptable minds, Freeman checks a lot of boxes.
Whether he ultimately makes the leap to the NFL remains to be seen. But what’s clear is this: Marcus Freeman is no longer just a college coach with potential. He’s a legitimate candidate in the NFL head coaching market, and teams are watching closely.
The next few weeks could be pivotal - not just for Freeman, but for any team bold enough to bet on his upside.