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By Michael Gallagher
Sports Content Coordinator
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Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman generated a good amount of NFL buzz last season after leading the Fighting Irish to the College Football Playoff.
Freeman was believed to be the frontrunner for the Chicago Bears head-coaching vacancy, but he dismissed any notion of him looking to change jobs as he was getting Notre Dame prepared to play the Ohio State Buckeyes in the national championship game.
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The school had also just locked Freeman up to a four-year, $36 million contract extension as well, but Freeman told any reporter who asked that he had no interest in leaving the college ranks any time soon.
But after Notre Dame (10-2) was left out of the College Football Playoff field this year in favor of the 10-2 Miami Hurricanes, who beat the Irish in their season opener, the school decided to turn down an invitation to play BYU in the Pop Tarts Bowl, choosing to focus on “winning a national title in 2026.”
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That decision was met with a great deal of criticism and controversy, with many accusing Notre Dame of overreacting and acting in poor sportsmanship.
And while that may or may not be true, it also opened the door for more buzz to grow about Freeman entertaining the possibility of taking a head-coaching job in the NFL.
NorthJersey.com’s Art Stapleton even reported that the New York Giants, who fired Brian Daboll midseason, have interest in speaking with Freeman about their vacancy.
“Good for Notre Dame declining the bowl invitation,” Stapleton wrote. “More time for Marcus Freeman to prepare for his interview with the Giants … and for the Giants to find that speculated $50 million in the couch cushions for the buyout.”
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If Freeman were to leave Notre Dame, the Giants just might be the kind of job that could entice him to do it.
The team has a franchise quarterback already in place in Jaxson Dart, a young building-block running back in Cam Skattebo, a young perennial All-Pro wide receiver in Malik Nabers, and the makings of a young, Pro Bowl pass-rush with Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
On Tuesday morning, Freeman surged to having the best odds of landing the Giants job at 1/2, according to Louisianasports.net. Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula were tied for second with 5/1 odds.
Freeman’s buyout was a meager $4 million before he signed his contract extension. The exact number of his new buyout isn’t known, but it’s believed to be around the $40 million figure Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell has.
In addition to the Giants, the Tennessee Titans are also looking for a new head coach, and several other teams including the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers could also have opening come available after the NFL season ends.
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