Marcus Freeman’s rise at Notre Dame isn’t just about wins and trophies-it’s about the kind of leader he’s become in the process. And now, that leadership is getting national recognition.
In a recent survey of over 100 people across the sports world, Freeman was named one of the 40 most admired leaders in sports for 2025, landing at No. 20 on the list. That makes him the highest-ranked college football coach in the group-an impressive nod when you consider the names and programs out there.
Only two other college football coaches cracked the top 40: Oregon’s Dan Lanning at No. 30 and Indiana’s Curt Cignetti at No. 37.
Ohio State’s Ryan Day received multiple votes but didn’t make the final cut.
Freeman’s inclusion isn’t just about his record-it’s about how he’s built something real in South Bend. Since taking over the program, he’s compiled a 43-12 record and helped reestablish Notre Dame as a national powerhouse. Over the past two seasons alone, the Irish have gone 24-4, including a 10-game win streak to close out the 2025 season-all by double digits.
But perhaps the biggest breakthrough came last fall, when Notre Dame picked up its first two major bowl wins in three decades. The Irish powered through the Sugar and Orange Bowls in the College Football Playoff, eventually falling to Ohio State in the national title game. Even with the loss, it was a statement season-and one that earned Freeman a sweep of national coaching honors, including the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award, the Dodd Trophy, and the George Munger Award.
Freeman’s impact goes beyond the field, though. He’s become one of the most charismatic and respected figures in the sport, known for a leadership style that prioritizes his players as people first.
Former Notre Dame women’s basketball coach Muffet McGraw summed it up best: “He puts players first, focusing on developing the whole person rather than just the athlete. By clearly articulating his vision and living it every day, he has built a championship culture that players believe in and are eager to be part of.”
That culture-and Freeman’s commitment to it-isn’t going anywhere. He recently signed a contract extension to remain at Notre Dame, and athletic director Pete Bevacqua made it clear that the university is all in on their head coach.
“We feel blessed that he’s our coach,” Bevacqua said in December. “I make sure that he knows that he will be where he deserves to be, and that is at the top, top, top tier of college football coaches when it comes to compensation. Every year, I view his contract... as a living, breathing document that we will revise every year as need be to make sure he’s where he deserves to be.”
Freeman’s reach also extends beyond football. He’s built connections across Notre Dame’s athletic community and beyond, including with Boston Celtics general manager Brad Stevens, who came in at No. 14 on the same list. Stevens’ son, Brady, is a sophomore guard for the Irish men’s basketball team, and Freeman has taken the opportunity to learn from the NBA exec whenever possible.
“We challenge our players to do that every single day, right?” Freeman said.
“How do you find ways to improve today? How do you find ways to choose hard to do it today?
That’s what I want to do. If I can utilize Brad Stevens, here to watch his son play-can I meet with you?
Let’s just talk. What have you seen in your coaches in your time that helps certain people become successful?”
That mindset-always learning, always evolving-is a big part of what’s made Freeman such a respected figure in the sport. It’s also why his peers across the sports world are taking notice.
Freeman wasn’t the only Notre Dame-connected figure to make the list. Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy, who led the Irish baseball program from 1988 to 1994, came in at No.
- Murphy has quietly built a juggernaut in Milwaukee, guiding the Brewers to back-to-back division titles, a franchise-record 97 wins in 2025, and consecutive NL Manager of the Year honors.
According to the survey, Murphy’s strength lies in his ability to evaluate talent and forge personal connections with his players-traits that have helped turn the Brewers into one of baseball’s most consistent contenders.
Together, Freeman and Murphy represent something bigger than just wins and accolades. They’re reminders that great leadership in sports isn’t just about strategy-it’s about culture, connection, and character. And in 2025, that kind of leadership stood out more than ever.