...
By Nelson Espinal
Contributing Sports Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has been at the center of intense speculation from the NFL and college ranks, with multiple teams being interested in him as a head coach.
Freeman has been a revelation at Notre Dame, leading the Fighting Irish to the National Championship game, falling short to the mighty Ohio State Buckeyes, who were the best team in college football by far.
More news: Notre Dame Gets Good News on Marcus Freeman’s NFL Pursuit
Read More on NCAA
Notre Dame is intent on keeping Freeman as long as possible, awarding him a contract extension before the start of the 2025 season, while the program continues to support him.
Despite his commitment to Notre Dame and the school's offer of security, other teams — both in college and the NFL — have not stopped kicking the tires on hiring Freeman.
...
According to Ralph D. Russo of The Athletic, the Penn State Nittany Lions had Freeman on their shortlist after firing long-time coach James Franklin following a three-game skid.
"According to two sources briefed on Kraft’s plan, his search started with a list of three names: Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, Texas A&M’s Mike Elko and Campbell," Russo wrote.
"Freeman had no interest. Elko had only a little more than that and ended up signing a six-year extension on Nov. 15 that pays him more than $10 million annually."
More news: Lane Kiffin’s Dramatic Return to Ole Miss As LSU Coach Revealed
Considering Notre Dame's high status as a blue blood, it is hard to see Freeman leaving for another school unless they offer a salary too big to turn down, though even then, the Fighting Irish have the muscle to keep him financially happy.
How is Notre Dame Going to Keep Marcus Freeman?
Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua has been proactive about Freeman's interest, stating that the head coach's contract will be updated annually to ensure he remains among the highest-paid coaches in the nation.
"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."
With his annual raises, the biggest competition for Notre Dame is likely to come from the NFL, which can offer a large platform and level of notoriety that the Fighting Irish cannot match.
If the NFL does not pursue him in a serious capacity, Notre Dame should have their coach locked in for a long time.
More news: Florida Gators Make Surprising Hire, Poach Penn State Coach: Report
For more college football news, head to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines