If Marcus Freeman Heads to the NFL, Who Could Be Next in Line at Notre Dame?
The Marcus Freeman-to-the-NFL buzz isn’t going anywhere, and at this point, it’s not a matter of if his name pops up in coaching rumors - it’s where. Right now, the New York Giants are the team most directly linked to the Notre Dame head coach, but they’re far from the only potential suitor. With several NFL franchises possibly heading for coaching changes - think Arizona, Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Las Vegas, Tennessee, and Cincinnati - Freeman’s name is going to be in the mix.
So, with Christmas around the corner and uncertainty hanging over South Bend, it’s fair for Irish fans to wonder: if Freeman does make the leap to Sundays, who could Notre Dame turn to next? Here are three names that should be high on the wish list in the event the head coach’s office opens up.
Clark Lea - Vanderbilt Head Coach
If Notre Dame ends up searching for a new leader, Clark Lea should be the first call - and maybe the second and third, too. Lea is no stranger to South Bend. He served as the Irish’s linebackers coach and defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020, helping build some of the strongest defenses of the Brian Kelly era.
Now at Vanderbilt, Lea’s quietly doing the heavy lifting of trying to elevate a program that’s long been considered an SEC afterthought. And while the Commodores’ record may not jump off the page, the culture shift and player development he’s spearheading speak volumes. He’s turning Vanderbilt into a disciplined, competitive team - and doing it in the toughest conference in college football.
Getting Lea to leave his alma mater won’t be easy. He’s a Nashville native coaching in his hometown, and that emotional pull is real.
But Notre Dame is a different kind of job - a national brand with elite resources, tradition, and expectations. Lea knows the place, understands the pressure, and has already proven he can thrive in that environment.
If Freeman moves on, Lea feels like a natural fit.
Joe Brady - Buffalo Bills Offensive Coordinator
Joe Brady’s name has been tied to just about every offensive-minded job opening over the last few years, and for good reason. At just 36, he’s already made a name for himself as one of the brightest young minds in football. His work with Joe Burrow during LSU’s 2019 national title run still echoes across the college landscape, and now he’s helping Josh Allen and the Bills offense stay in rhythm in the NFL.
If the Cincinnati Bengals job opens up, there’s a real chance Brady could reunite with Burrow. But if the NFL carousel doesn’t spin in his favor, Notre Dame could be a compelling pivot.
Brady’s got the kind of energy and vision that could ignite the Irish offense and attract top-tier quarterback talent. He’s young, innovative, and has proven he can adapt - whether it’s college or pro ball.
For Notre Dame, hiring Brady would signal a bold move toward offensive creativity and a fresh identity. For Brady, it could be a chance to lead one of college football’s most storied programs and build something lasting - especially if he’s looking to prove he can be more than just an X’s and O’s guy.
Manny Diaz - Duke Head Coach
There are several intriguing names that could be in the conversation - Kenny Dillingham at Arizona State, Mike Elko at Texas A&M, Kalen DeBoer at Alabama - but Manny Diaz might be the most ready-made candidate for what Notre Dame needs right now.
Diaz has quietly done an impressive job at Duke, with the Blue Devils on the verge of back-to-back nine-win seasons - something that doesn’t happen often in Durham. His head coaching stint at Miami (21-15) had its ups and downs, but the support system there was shaky at best. Since then, Diaz has rebuilt his reputation, especially during his time as Penn State’s defensive coordinator under James Franklin, where he helped mold one of the top defenses in the Big Ten.
At Duke, he’s shown growth as a head coach - more poise, more consistency, and a better feel for building a full program. And if Notre Dame comes calling, it’s hard to imagine Diaz needing much time to think it over. The fit makes sense: a defensive-minded coach with head coaching experience, recruiting chops, and a clear upward trajectory.
Other Names to Keep an Eye On
If the Irish go beyond the top tier, there are still plenty of intriguing options. Al Golden, currently the Bengals’ defensive coordinator, has deep ties to the program and NFL experience.
Jedd Fisch has done strong work at Washington, and P.J. Fleck continues to build a tough, identity-driven program at Minnesota.
Bottom Line
Marcus Freeman has done a strong job in South Bend, and if the NFL comes calling, it’ll be because he’s earned that next opportunity. But Notre Dame is Notre Dame - one of the few programs in the country that doesn’t rebuild, it reloads.
If Freeman departs, the Irish will have options. And whether it’s a familiar face like Clark Lea, a rising star like Joe Brady, or a proven program-builder like Manny Diaz, there are capable leaders ready to take the torch.