As the Notre Dame Fighting Irish prepare to face the Ohio State Buckeyes in the National Championship on Monday night, head coach Marcus Freeman was asked about reported NFL interest, specifically the Chicago Bears.
Freeman claimed he had no thoughts besides preparing his team for the title game, but NFL teams are keeping a close eye on his status as the Notre Dame head-man.
Fighting Irish Head Coach Marcus Freeman Hasn’t Thought About Coaching in the NFL Amid Numerous Rumors
Freeman has proven to be one of the best head coaches in college football since he took over the Fighting Irish ahead of the 2022 season. In three seasons, he’s compiled a 33-9 record and has the Fighting Irish set to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Monday night.
A win would further inflate his resume, strengthening his chances of taking a job at the next level.
Freeman checks all the boxes that NFL organizations look for when turning around a franchise—he’s a leader of men, enthusiastic, likable, and relatable, among other quality characteristics. He’s also only 39 years old, allowing the franchise to hitch their wagon to him for the long run.
General manager Ryan Poles and the Bears reportedly were interested in interviewing Freeman for their head coaching vacancy.
The question remains: does he want to coach at the next level? Freeman discussed the idea with reporters on Saturday.
“The reality is, with team success comes individual success,” he said. “To hear that the Bears have interest, it’s humbling. It’s the NFL. It’s also a reminder that with team success comes individual success. I have put zero thought into coaching in the NFL. All my attention has just been getting this team prepared.”
It’s a predictable answer; the last thing Freeman would want to do is stir up headlines and express interest in another job when he still has a national championship game to prep for.
But with his continued success, if he is interested, the NFL will be an option for Freeman — possibly as soon as the National Championship game is over. If not, it will be in the very near future — it just depends on if that’s what he wants.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.
