Marcus Freeman has been the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish for three years — will he be back for a fourth? According to recent rumors, it’s a question worth asking, especially after he’s taken Notre Dame to the promised land.
Potential Replacement Candidates for Marcus Freeman at Notre Dame
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero published a list of 22 young coaches to watch in the next NFL hiring cycle. One surprise addition: Freeman. Was it simply a ploy by his agent to earn him a raise in South Bend? Possibly — Freeman signed an extension in December — but the 38-year-old head coach has certainly done enough to warrant a professional jump.
Since taking the head-coaching reigns from Brian Kelly, Freeman has led the Irish to a 33-9 record and a spot in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship.
NFL franchises would have no issue giving Freeman an even bigger raise, with former Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh landing a pact worth $16 million annually with the Los Angeles Chargers just last offseason.
There are currently five head coach openings in the league (Bears, Jets, Saints, Raiders, and Jaguars), and Pelissero reported Chicago is “looking to interview” Freeman for their vacancy. If Freeman does jump ship, which coaches make the most sense as replacements for the Irish?
Mike Denbrock or Al Golden, OC/DC, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame hired internally the last go-round, so why not again?
Mike Denbrock helped Jayden Daniels claim the Heisman and orchestrated the nation’s most explosive offense before returning to South Bend this offseason. Denbrock faced a major challenge with a reworked and inexperienced offensive line but has orchestrated an impressive rushing attack spear-headed by dual-threat QB Riley Leonard.
Denbrock has never been a collegiate head coach, but if he has any desire to become one, it’ll need to happen soon before he completely ages out.
Meanwhile, Al Golden hasn’t been a head coach since 2015, and at 55, he might prefer to remain a coordinator. That wouldn’t be such a negative, as his unit ranks No. 2 nationally in scoring (14.3 ppg) and No. 9 in total defense (298.3 ypg). Golden’s Miami tenure ended poorly, but they did make two bowl appearances.
Tommy Rees, Pass Game Specialist/TEs Coach, Cleveland Browns
Following Nick Saban’s retirement last year, Tommy Rees’ name appeared alongside Kalen DeBeor and Mike Norvell for Alabama’s head-coaching job. Of course, it ultimately went to DeBeor, causing Rees to leave the college ranks for the NFL.
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Rees boasts deep Notre Dame roots, serving as the program’s QB (2010-13), QBs coach (2017-19), and offensive coordinator (2020-22) over the last two decades. Although a reunion could make sense for both parties, ND fans were quite happy when Rees left the program for Alabama’s OC role in 2023.
Glenn Schumann, DC, Georgia Bulldogs
Glenn Schumann has quickly become a sought-after name, with his recent consideration for the Mississippi State Bulldogs’ head-coaching role only reinforcing his rise. As co-defensive coordinator at Georgia, Schumann has partnered with Will Muschamp to forge a powerhouse defense that anchored the Bulldogs to back-to-back national titles.
In 2023, his unit ranked No. 5 in scoring defense, No. 9 in total yards allowed, and led the nation in third-down stops. Even with several new faces on the field, Schumann’s defense didn’t miss a beat.
Tony White, DC, NC State Wolfpack
A five-year Power Five force, Tony White has led the turnarounds of the Syracuse Orange and the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ defenses. Last season, White’s unit frequently compensated for an offense prone to turnovers in Matt Rhule’s first year, showcasing his aggressive, attack-oriented style.
Though he’s yet to lead a college program, the 45-year-old has strong recruiting ties along the East Coast. He signed on to become Florida State’s DC in December, but White would likely jump at the opportunity to lead the Irish.
Deland McCullough, Associate HC/RBs, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Deland McCullough has been an associate head coach with the Indiana Hoosiers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish — 2025 could be the year he removes the associate label.
Born in Pittsburgh, Penn., McCullough played college football with the Miami RedHawks before coaching running backs for the past two decades. He knows something about winning at the highest level, receiving a Super Bowl ring with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020.
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Last spring, Freeman endorsed McCullough, saying, “He’s been involved in some of my head coaching meetings. That’s his next step. Deland McCullough is going to be a head coach somewhere.” Why not with the Irish?
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