Marcus Freeman’s story as Notre Dame’s head coach is as much about family as it is about football. His rise from linebacker at Ohio State to one of college football’s most prominent coaching jobs has been shaped by his upbringing and the later stages of his life that he shares with his wife.
Freeman often credits the discipline and sacrifices of his parents, the unwavering support of his wife, and the grounding presence of his children for keeping him focused. Let’s take a closer look at the coach’s family foundation that fuels him in his professional pursuit.
Parents: Michael and Chong Freeman
Marcus Freeman was born on Jan. 10, 1986, in Dayton, Ohio, to Michael and Chong Freeman. His father, Michael, is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran who served for 26 years. That military background defined the Freeman household in the early stages of his life.
“Friday nights in Huber Heights, watching those guys play football, that was my upbringing,” Freeman told GQ in 2022. “The sound of those metal tipped cleats walking on the pavement, from the locker room to the field…I remember just watching them and saying, ‘That’s what I wanna do: I wanna be the guy that walks out of that locker room onto that field.’”
His mother, Chong, is originally from Daegu, South Korea. She met Michael while he was deployed in Korea, and they came back to the US in 1979. Marcus has spoken about her sacrifices, saying that her determination instilled in him the resilience needed to chase his dreams.
“It was work, but she was with her Korean friends. She had a piece of home,” he said about his mother. “That’s the value of hard work. It was all around me. All you have to do is just watch.”
Marcus also has an older brother, Michael “Mike” Freeman Jr., who is two years older than him.
Wife: Joanna Freeman
Freeman’s wife is Joanna Freeman, whom he met while attending Ohio State University. The two began dating in college and tied the knot in February 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. Joanna previously worked in broadcasting and media.
She is widely credited by friends and colleagues as the stabilizing force in Marcus’s life. While his coaching career has required frequent moves and long hours, Joanna has kept the family grounded and organized.
“She’s loyal to her family and people that she loves,” he said. “She’s an Italian pistol. If I’m a jerk, she’s going to be ready to fire back. But she’s so loyal.”
The 39-year-old credits his wife for holding it down for him as he fulfills his duties as a coach for one of the most reputed programs in the country.
Kids: Marcus Freeman is a father of seven
The Notre Dame coach has quite a full house. He shares six kids with his wife, Joanna: Vinny, Siena, Gino, Nico, Capri, and Rocco. While it must be a tough task to raise six kids, Marcus and Joanna make it look easy.
Each of them is frequently seen at Notre Dame games. In January, coach Freeman’s kids and his wife were seen rooting for him at the Sugar Bowl.
“To do what I do, you have to have the most unselfish wife in the world,” Marcus said on Outta Pocket with RGIII podcast in December 2024.
In addition to these six, Marcus is also the father of his eldest daughter, Bria, from a previous relationship. While the coach remains busy with his coaching duties for the most pf a year, he draws inspiration and freedom to do so from his family.
Read More:
Where Did Marcus Freeman Play College Football? Inside the Notre Dame Coach’s Playing Days
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