Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has been linked to NFL head coaching openings during the current coaching cycle, namely the Tennessee Titans and the New York Giants.
Freeman has been one of the best college football coaches, totally righting the ship at the Fighting Irish following Brian Kelly’s departure for LSU.
More news: Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer to ‘Factor’ in Michigan Head Coach Search: Report
His ability to motivate and coach players has been readily apparent, to the point that NFL teams are taking notice, and Notre Dame will have some competition for his coaching future.
In 2024, Freeman was linked to the Chicago Bears’ opening before they hired Ben Johnson, though he is now a prominent name in discussions for the Titans and Giants jobs.
Regarding the Titans’ job search, Notre Dame can breathe a sigh of relief as Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reports that they are looking for a coach with NFL experience, namely, head coaching experience.
“But could he be a candidate at a couple of NFL stops?,” Jones said on CBS Sports HQ.
“I would say not the Tennessee Titans who are going to go, I believe, with someone with some, first of all, not only NFL coaching experience, but NFL head coaching experience.
“That seems to be the way things will be moving in Nashville.”
More news: Michigan Makes Shocking Decision on Head Coach Sherrone Moore’s Future
The Titans’ job is one of the least desirable, given how bad the team has been this season and the amount of work needed for notable improvement.
Given how comfortable Freeman is at Notre Dame, it is hard to imagine him leaving his current team for a massive rebuild like the Titans.
The Giants, on the other hand, are a big-market team that has some pieces in place to compete soon, and it could very well pique his interest.
What is Notre Dame Doing to Keep Marcus Freeman?
Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua has been on the front foot regarding interest in Freeman, claiming that the head coach’s contract will be updated annually to ensure he is among the highest-paid coaches.
“Everybody has eyes on Marcus,” Bevacqua said. “College has eyes on Marcus; NFL has eyes on Marcus. I bet Hollywood has eyes on Marcus. … He’s the absolute best coach in the country for Notre Dame, full stop, one of the greatest college coaches in the country.
“… I make sure that he knows that he will be where he deserves to be, and that is at the top, top, top tier of college football coaches when it comes to compensation every year.”
More news: Matt Campbell Sends Message on Penn State’s Recruiting Struggles
For more college football news, head to Newsweek Sports.
