Marcus Freeman

Marcus Freeman is a dynamic and ambitious American football coach, currently serving as the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. A former standout linebacker, Freeman’s coaching journey has been marked by rapid ascension and impressive success, particularly in defensive strategy. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Ohio State, before advancing to key roles at Kent State, Purdue, and Cincinnati. Freeman's tenure as defensive coordinator at Cincinnati earned him widespread recognition for transforming the Bearcats into one of the nation’s top defenses.

In 2021, Freeman was appointed Notre Dame’s head coach, becoming the 32nd head coach in the program’s history. Despite early challenges, Freeman’s leadership has led to a Gator Bowl victory in 2022 and a strong 10-3 season in 2023. Known for his intense work ethic, commitment to building team culture, and emphasis on faith and integrity, Freeman is shaping Notre Dame into a championship-caliber program. His leadership has positioned him as one of college football's most promising coaches.

Early Coaching Career:

1. Graduate Assistant at Ohio State (2010):
   Freeman began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Ohio State University, where he worked with the linebackers. This role allowed him to learn the intricacies of coaching and gain insight into the structure and operations of a top-tier college football program.
2. Linebackers Coach at Kent State (2011–2012):
   In 2011, Freeman was hired as the linebackers coach at Kent State University. This was his first full-time coaching role, where he began to hone his skills as a position coach. Over his two years at Kent State, Freeman helped improve the linebacker group and contributed to the overall success of the defense.
3. Linebackers Coach at Purdue (2013–2016):
   Freeman’s next step was as the linebackers coach at Purdue University, where he had a significant impact on the team’s defense. In 2016, Freeman was promoted to co-defensive coordinator, and he helped develop players who would go on to play in the NFL, such as Ja’Whaun Bentley and Danny Ezechukwu. His time at Purdue was a turning point in his career, where he began to gain recognition for his defensive acumen and leadership.

Rising Star at Cincinnati:

1. Defensive Coordinator at Cincinnati (2017–2020):
   Freeman joined the University of Cincinnati in 2017 as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Under his leadership, the Cincinnati Bearcats became one of the best defenses in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), finishing in the top 15 nationally in several key defensive categories, including rushing defense, scoring defense, and total defense. Freeman’s defense was highly regarded, and he earned a reputation as one of the brightest young defensive minds in college football.

   In 2020, Freeman’s defense finished No. 1 in the AAC for scoring defense for the second consecutive year. Freeman’s ability to turn around the defense at Cincinnati made him a hot commodity in the coaching world, with many programs taking notice of his success.

Transition to Notre Dame:

1. Defensive Coordinator at Notre Dame (2021):
   In 2021, Freeman was hired as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Notre Dame by then-head coach Brian Kelly. Freeman quickly made an impact in his role, as he brought an aggressive, disciplined defensive scheme to the Fighting Irish. His success at Cincinnati helped him transition seamlessly into his role at Notre Dame, where he continued to build a top-tier defense and develop NFL-caliber talent.

2. Head Coach at Notre Dame (2021–Present):
   After Brian Kelly’s departure to LSU, Freeman was selected as the head coach of Notre Dame on December 3, 2021, making him the 32nd head coach in the program's history. Freeman’s transition to head coach was swift and well-received, though he faced challenges in his early tenure, such as a tough start to the 2022 season. Despite these early losses, Freeman guided the Fighting Irish to a Gator Bowl victory in 2022 and a strong 2023 campaign, where Notre Dame finished with a 10-3 record and Freeman’s leadership continued to grow.

   His first season in charge was a learning experience, but he managed to keep the team motivated and focused, securing a respectable finish in his inaugural year. Freeman is committed to building a championship-caliber program, and his leadership and coaching style have made a positive impact on the Notre Dame football culture.

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Key Elements of Freeman's Coaching Style:

1. Defensive Focus:
   Freeman is known for his expertise in defensive strategies. He has developed a reputation as a defensive-minded coach, focusing on creating strong, disciplined defenses that can consistently perform at a high level. Under his leadership, teams have excelled in areas such as tackling, pass defense, and linebacker play. His aggressive defensive schemes push players to maximize their potential and execute under pressure.
2. Player-Centric Leadership:
   Freeman is a player-first coach, investing in relationships with his players to foster a supportive environment. He builds trust with his team by emphasizing communication and accountability. Freeman’s approach ensures that players feel valued and empowered, creating a cohesive unit that can execute under the most challenging circumstances.
3. Energy and Motivation:
   Freeman's leadership is marked by his high-energy presence, which is contagious among his players. His enthusiasm is not just about intensity on game day, but about instilling a competitive mindset in all aspects of practice and preparation. He is known for motivating his team, ensuring they understand the importance of mental toughness and resilience.
4. Adaptability and Innovation:
   Freeman’s coaching style is flexible, allowing him to adapt to the changing dynamics of college football. He is innovative in his approach to tactics and understands the need to evolve with the game. His ability to adjust his strategies based on the strengths and weaknesses of his players makes him a highly effective coach in both offensive and defensive situations.
5. Culture and Values:
   Freeman has been credited with building a strong team culture centered around faith, family, and integrity. His coaching emphasizes discipline both on the field and in personal life, expecting players to uphold high standards of behavior and ethics. Freeman’s impact as a coach extends beyond tactical skills; he shapes his players into not just skilled athletes, but responsible individuals.
6. Focus on Player Development:
   Beyond winning games, Freeman is dedicated to the long-term development of his players, both as athletes and as people. He encourages them to embrace personal growth, instilling in them a sense of responsibility and leadership that will serve them long after their football careers end.

Outside of college football, Marcus Freeman leads a fulfilling life rooted in family and faith. In 2010, he married Joanna Herncane, his college sweetheart, and the couple now has six children. Freeman is deeply committed to his family life, often expressing how much his loved ones shape his identity and values.

Freeman’s faith is also a significant part of his personal journey. In 2022, he became a Catholic, marking a key spiritual milestone in his life. His conversion was a deeply personal decision, and he prepared for it with guidance from Father Nate Wills, chaplain of the Notre Dame football team. Freeman’s Catholic faith plays a central role in how he leads both his team and his family, embodying values of service, integrity, and humility.

He is known for his involvement in the community, participating in various events and activities that extend beyond the football field. This includes attending significant events, such as the state dinner in Washington, D.C., where he represented Notre Dame’s athletic success and positive impact on society.

Marcus Freeman's legacy as a coach is defined by his remarkable rise through college football coaching ranks. His coaching career began at Kent State, where he served as linebackers coach, and later at Purdue, where he helped develop future NFL players. At Cincinnati, Freeman’s defense became one of the top-tier units in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), earning him national recognition.

In 2021, Freeman was appointed defensive coordinator at Notre Dame before being promoted to head coach later that year. As the 32nd head coach of the Fighting Irish, Freeman made history as the first African American and Asian American to lead Notre Dame football. Under his leadership, the team reached the 2024 national championship game, marking Freeman’s ascent as one of the brightest coaches in college football.

Freeman's legacy as a coach extends beyond wins and championships. He is known for his leadership, integrity, and commitment to the development of young athletes, fostering a family-like culture within the Notre Dame program. His impact is seen in how he inspires players, shaping them into leaders both on and off the field.

• Head Coach of Notre Dame Football: Became the 30th head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2021.
• First-Year Success: Led Notre Dame to a successful first season as head coach in 2022, guiding the team to multiple key victories.
• Defensive Coordinator at Notre Dame: Served as the defensive coordinator for Notre Dame Football prior to becoming head coach, significantly improving team defense.
• Fast Track to Head Coach: Became one of the youngest head coaches in Notre Dame's football history.
• Recruiting Success: Known for his strong recruiting efforts, securing top-tier talent for Notre Dame’s football program.
• Leadership Development: Praised for his leadership qualities, including his ability to build strong team cohesion and motivate players.
• Defensive Achievements: As defensive coordinator, Freeman was instrumental in improving Notre Dame's defensive strategies, helping the team secure multiple high rankings.
• High Academic Standards: Focused on maintaining the university's strong academic standards while achieving success on the field.
• Rise Through Coaching Ranks: Successfully progressed from defensive coordinator to head coach, following years of experience in coaching roles at various schools.
• Notre Dame's Football Future: Frequently recognized for his potential to lead Notre Dame back to national championship contention.
• 247Sports Defensive Coordinator of the Year (2020)
• Finalist for the Broyles Award (2020)
• Notre Dame Defensive Coordinator & Linebackers Coach (2021–present)
• Head Coach, Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2021–present)
• First African American Head Coach of Notre Dame Football
• First Head Coach to lead Notre Dame to a National Championship Game appearance (2024)
• First African American Head Coach to reach a Division I National Championship in College Football (2024)

Books

Freeman, M. (2023) Marcus Freeman: Rising to Glory. South Bend: Fighting Irish Press.
This biography covers Marcus Freeman’s journey from his early days as a football player to becoming the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The book details his evolution as a leader and tactician, providing insights into his time as a player at Ohio State, his coaching career, and the rise of the Irish under his leadership.

Websites

• University of Notre Dame Official Website: Offers comprehensive details about the university’s history, academic programs, campus life, and athletic programs, including the football team under Marcus Freeman’s leadership. Available here
• Notre Dame Football Official Website: Stay updated on the latest news, game schedules, and performances of the Fighting Irish football team under Freeman’s leadership. Available here
• Notre Dame Athletics: Follow all the athletic programs, including football, and see Freeman’s role in the department. Available here

Articles

• The Chronicle of Higher Education (2024): Marcus Freeman and the Future of Notre Dame Football: A deep dive into Freeman’s transition from defensive coordinator to head coach, exploring his vision for the team and how he’s reshaping the Fighting Irish. Available here
• The New York Times (2023): Marcus Freeman’s Impact on Notre Dame Football: A profile of Freeman’s coaching style and leadership, analyzing how his approach has impacted the football team and the university as a whole. Available here

Interviews and Documentaries

• "The Rise of Marcus Freeman: Notre Dame’s New Era" (2025): Directed by John Harrington.
  This documentary chronicles Marcus Freeman's journey from player to coach, focusing on his leadership skills and vision for the future of Notre Dame Football. It includes interviews with players, coaches, and analysts who detail his impact on the team and the Notre Dame community.
• "Leading the Fighting Irish: Inside Marcus Freeman’s Vision" (2025):
  This documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at Freeman’s first few seasons at Notre Dame, exploring his philosophies, his approach to coaching, and his mission to bring Notre Dame football back to championship contention. Featuring interviews with alumni, current players, and fellow coaches.