Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman will make history on Jan. 9, when he will face the James Franklin-led Penn State Nittany Lions at the Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal. He will be one of the two Black coaches to ever match up in a semifinal game and, potentially, if he wins, the first to punch a national championship ticket.
Freeman, however, believes his work should represent his identity, not his color.
Fans React to Marcus Freeman’s Candid Take on Making History
On Saturday, the Notre Dame coach was speaking at the pregame presser for the Orange Bowl showdown. That’s when he was hit with the question about his new achievement as a black coach.
“Very grateful,” Freeman said to the reporters. “It’s a reminder that you are a representation for many others and for many of our players that look the same way I do. Your color shouldn’t matter. The evidence of your work should,” he added.
Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman on being one of two Black coaches in the semifinals….
“Very grateful. It’s a reminder that you are a representation for many others and for many of our players that look the same way I do. Your color shouldn’t matter. The evidence of your work… https://t.co/i9YdQQWHUd— Rod Walker (@RodWalkerNola) January 3, 2025
Fans were quick to share their opinions on X. Few of them resonated with his principles; however, some opine that he has earned the moment and should spare some time to cherish the achievement.
Marcus Freeman is him
— DriftingThrough (@driftingthrew) January 4, 2025
Here are some of the similar reactions on X.
Coach Freeman is a modern-day Martin Luther King!
— Billy Badass (@BillyBadass111) January 4, 2025
Marcus Freeman is a role model for what is right and noble in college football and in the broader world beyond. Respect.
— Balls66 (@davenut66) January 4, 2025
He is a really good coach. That’s how he should be referenced, even in your intro….
We have to stop using color
— Brian Cox (@kbriancox) January 4, 2025
Noting elsewhere should define you. Work harder, wake up earlier, stay later. Get’er done!
— Stan (@StanClark68) January 5, 2025
Common Sense Must Prevail
— Tony Bland (@tbland33) January 5, 2025
According to ESPN reports, there are 16 Black head coaches in 134 FBS programs, a significant rise from the previous six back in 2007. Franklin, too, who is part of this milestone, cherishes the moment and feels elated to have earned this opportunity.
“I know some people will say, ‘Well, that that’s not a huge increase,’ but it is an increase,” Franklin said, per ESPN.
“At the end of the day, does this create opportunities for more guys to get in front of athletic directors? Does this create opportunities for search firms? I hope so. I think at the end of the day, you just want an opportunity, and you want to be able to earn it through your work and through your actions. I take a lot of pride in it,” he added.
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The Orange Bowl clash between Notre Dame and Penn State will take place on Thursday, Jan. 9, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The winner will advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship to play against the winner of the Texas vs. Ohio State Cotton Bowl showdown.
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