Marcus Freeman has spent the better part of the offseason putting out fires-specifically, the kind sparked by NFL rumors. He’s said all the right things about staying committed to Notre Dame, doubling down on his vision for the program and brushing off any talk of a jump to Sundays. But then came Friday’s announcement: Freeman will join ESPN’s College GameDay crew as a guest analyst for Monday’s national championship game.
On the surface, it’s a cool opportunity. But for many fans, the timing couldn’t be worse.
Notre Dame, after ripping off a 10-game win streak to close the season, was left on the outside looking in when the College Football Playoff field was announced. Instead of accepting a bowl bid to cap off their strong finish-and build momentum into next season-the Irish declined to participate in the postseason altogether.
That decision raised eyebrows. Freeman’s decision to now step into a national spotlight, breaking down a title game his team chose not to chase, has raised even more.
The reaction from fans? Let’s just say it’s been less than warm.
Social media lit up with criticism, sarcasm, and a whole lot of side-eye. Some couldn’t believe the optics: “All of a sudden he wants to be part of ESPN’s postseason?”
Others questioned the move entirely: “Zero people asked for this.” One fan summed it up with a biting jab: “Only playoff appearance Notre Dame will get this year.”
The frustration isn’t just about Freeman showing up on TV. It’s about what it represents.
For a fanbase that watched its team finish strong but still get snubbed, the decision to skip a bowl game felt like a missed opportunity to make a statement. Now, the head coach is heading to Miami-not with his team, but with a microphone.
To be fair, Freeman does bring relevant insight. Notre Dame faced both Indiana and Miami-the two teams battling for the national title-this season.
That gives him a unique perspective on each program’s strengths and weaknesses. But for Irish fans, that doesn’t change the fact that their team won’t be suiting up this postseason.
And watching their coach break down someone else’s championship run? That stings.
Freeman addressed his future earlier this week, reiterating his commitment to Notre Dame despite reported interest from multiple NFL organizations. Athletic director Pete Bevacqua backed him publicly and gave him an improved contract last month, signaling long-term trust in Freeman’s leadership. And Freeman, for his part, says his focus is on getting the Irish back into the playoff mix next fall.
Still, this latest detour into the analyst chair has left some fans wondering where the focus really lies. In the world of college football, perception matters. And right now, the perception is that while other teams are playing for rings, Notre Dame’s coach is calling the action from the sidelines-of a different kind.
There’s no doubt Freeman has the football IQ to shine on air. But for a program still chasing its next playoff breakthrough, this moment feels like a fumble.