Marcus Freeman isn’t going anywhere - and that’s big news for Notre Dame, college football, and even a few NFL front offices who were hoping to lure one of the sport’s rising stars to the pros.
Freeman informed at least two NFL teams on Monday morning that he’s staying put in South Bend, turning down head coaching opportunities at the next level. The university later confirmed he’s agreed to a restructured deal that extends his contract through the 2031 season. While the financials weren’t made public, sources indicate Freeman’s new compensation places him among the highest-paid coaches in the country - and it’s hard to argue he hasn’t earned it.
This wasn’t just about money. Freeman’s decision, by all accounts, came down to alignment - with Notre Dame’s leadership, the direction of the program, and his belief that the Irish can make a serious run at a national title in 2026.
That belief isn’t just lip service. It’s backed by a strong foundation that Freeman has built over the past few years.
Let’s talk about what he’s accomplished. Since taking over, Freeman has guided Notre Dame to a 43-12 record, an impressive mark by any standard, and especially notable given the pressure-cooker environment in South Bend.
At just 39 years old, he’s already stacking wins and accolades like a seasoned veteran. In 2024 alone, he took home the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award, the Dodd Trophy, and the George Munger Award - a clean sweep of the major national coaching honors.
This past season, the Irish finished 10-2, narrowly missing the College Football Playoff. And when we say narrowly, we mean it - both losses came by a combined four points, and both were against playoff-bound teams.
That’s the kind of season that stings in the moment but shows just how close this team is to breaking through. A year earlier, Freeman had Notre Dame playing for the national championship, finishing 14-2.
The arrow is pointing straight up.
And the future? It’s bright.
The Irish are set to return a loaded roster, led by a young, fast, and aggressive defense that could be one of the best in the country. Add in a consensus top-five recruiting class and the return of starting quarterback CJ Carr, and there’s legitimate reason to believe Notre Dame will be in the thick of the playoff conversation again next fall.
Oh, and they’ll enter the season riding a 10-game winning streak.
Freeman’s tweet after the news broke said it all: “2026…run it back. Go Irish ☘️.” That’s a coach who isn’t just staying - he’s doubling down.
For Notre Dame, this is more than just retaining a head coach. It’s a statement of stability, vision, and commitment to competing at the highest level.
For Freeman, it’s a bet on himself and the program he’s helped elevate. And for those NFL teams who came calling?
They’ll have to look elsewhere - because Marcus Freeman is locked in, and he’s not done yet.