When Paul Finebaum talks, college football listens-especially when he ditches the usual SEC-centric takes and opens the floor to the national landscape. In a recent rapid-fire interview, Finebaum was asked to give a one-word description for several top college football coaches. And while some of his answers turned heads, none stood out quite like the one he gave for Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman.
“Brilliant,” Finebaum said, without hesitation.
That’s not a word Finebaum throws around lightly. In a game meant for quick hits and hot takes, calling Freeman “brilliant” wasn’t just a compliment-it was a statement.
Especially considering that other coaches didn’t exactly get the red-carpet treatment. Lane Kiffin, for example, drew a far less flattering label: “child.”
That’s Finebaum at his most blunt.
But Freeman? He earned the kind of praise that speaks volumes, even in just one word. And it’s not hard to see why.
Since taking over at Notre Dame, Freeman has quietly-and effectively-reshaped the program’s identity. He’s brought a fresh energy to South Bend, one that blends modern recruiting savvy with a strong, player-first culture.
The Irish aren’t just winning games-they’re building something sustainable. And that hasn’t gone unnoticed.
In fact, Freeman’s name is starting to echo beyond the college ranks.
With multiple NFL coaching jobs expected to open up this offseason, Freeman is a name that’s gaining traction in front office conversations. The most notable connection?
The New York Giants, who parted ways with Brian Daboll earlier this season and are reportedly eyeing a fresh start. Freeman, with his leadership chops and proven ability to develop talent, checks a lot of boxes.
It’s no surprise. Freeman has turned Notre Dame into a consistent winner again-something that had started to slip in the final years of Brian Kelly’s tenure. More than just a strong game-day coach, Freeman has shown a knack for keeping his roster intact, navigating the transfer portal era with a steadiness that many programs envy.
And yet, despite the buzz, there’s a sense that Freeman isn’t done in South Bend. After Notre Dame was left out of the College Football Playoff this season, there’s a lingering feeling of unfinished business. Freeman has laid the groundwork for something special, and walking away now would mean leaving that vision incomplete.
Still, when NFL teams come calling-and they will-it’s going to be hard to ignore.
For now, though, Freeman remains at the helm of one of college football’s most storied programs. And if you’re looking for a one-word summary of what he’s built so far, Finebaum already nailed it: brilliant.