Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman had already signaled his intention to return to South Bend in 2026 and never pursue NFL alternatives after publicly posting “run it again” on social media in late December. That message solely quickly slowed rumors that Freeman would take into account leaving the Preventing Irish to pursue an NFL job.
These rumors kicked up once more on Tuesday, shortly after Mike Tomlin stepped down as Pittsburgh Steelers coach after 19 seasons, with the announcement that Freeman would maintain a press convention on Wednesday. Regardless of the timing of the press convention announcement, ESPN reported that Freeman is predicted to stay in South Bend.
Freeman agreed to a restructured contract that places him within the “high tier” of compensation amongst school coaches after turning down curiosity from two NFL franchises, Sports activities Illustrated reported. The New York Giants have been among the many groups in pursuit of Freeman, CBS Sports activities’ Jonathan Jones beforehand reported.
Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua mentioned all through the method he was engaged on holding Freeman in tow for the lengthy haul, however understood why NFL events had curiosity in one in all school soccer’s fastest-rising coaches. Freeman’s been comparatively quiet about NFL murmurs, solely as soon as responding to a query about potential curiosity from numerous franchises, together with the Giants.
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“Properly, I believe the gratitude you’ve gotten for being talked about by a company like that. I’ve a variety of respect for all NFL groups, however the historical past of the Giants is great,” Freeman mentioned earlier than Christmas. “It jogs my memory of the respect I’ve to be within the place I am in. You would not have mentioned that assertion if I did not have this job and we weren’t having success. It is a reminder for me that the folks in our program, the work they put in leads to an output that is profitable.”
Bevacqua beforehand acknowledged “everyone has eyes on Marcus” given his 43-11 general report because the Preventing Irish coach, which features a nationwide championship look.
Bevacqua is a former government at Inventive Artists Company (CAA) and was the chairman of NBC Sports activities, so he has huge expertise on the negotiating desk. Freeman signed a profitable extension forward of final season’s playoff look and the Preventing Irish have been ready if an NFL staff have been to attempt to swoop in.
“I’d by no means say we would not match something in the case of Marcus,” Bevacqua mentioned. “I make it possible for he is aware of that he shall be the place he deserves to be, and that’s on the high, high, high tier of faculty soccer coaches in the case of compensation yearly. I view his contract — though a multi-year contract — as a residing, respiratory doc that we are going to revise yearly as want be to verify he is the place he must be. He is aware of he has that dedication from me, and extra essential from the college.”
Freeman was promoted from defensive coordinator to go coach in 2021 after Brian Kelly’s departure for LSU. On the heels of final season’s run to the nationwide championship, a 34-23 loss to Ohio State, Freeman led the Irish to a 10-2 report this season. After beginning 0-2, Notre Dame reeled off 10 consecutive victories earlier than being controversially stored out of the School Soccer Playoff. After that call, Notre Dame determined to not play in a bowl recreation.
Notre Dame ought to enter 2026 as nationwide title contender
Regardless of dropping operating backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Value, a few offensive line captains a couple of notable defenders off this season’s 10-2 squad, the Preventing Irish shall be on the brief listing of nationwide title frontrunners subsequent fall.
Quarterback C.J. Carr returns for his second marketing campaign because the starter whereas there is a sturdy nucleus of budding expertise round him. A good slate ought to help Notre Dame in getting again to the playoff for the second time in three years as effectively, given the Preventing Irish’s memorandum of understanding signed final spring which ensures a spot within the bracket in the event that they rank inside the highest 12 of the ultimate rankings.
Not all dates are finalized, however Notre Dame performs solely three true highway video games — North Carolina, Syracuse and Purdue — and has neutral-site contests in opposition to Wisconsin and Navy.
And with the switch portal opening Jan. 2 with assets to place towards expertise acquisition, Freeman ought to be capable of fill any areas of want forward of spring camp. Notre Dame’s incoming 2026 signing class is rated because the fourth-best recruiting haul nationally, per 247Sports, and contains three five-star prospects — edge rusher Rodney Dunham (Charlotte, N.C.), tight finish Ian Premer (Nice Bend, Kan.) and security Joey O’Brien (Wyndmoor, Penn.).
