Marcus Freeman has had a standout coaching season, guiding his team to the national semifinal and sparking rumors about a potential NFL move. However, Freeman has firmly shut down the speculation.
“There’s no chance,” Freeman stated.
He further addressed the NFL talk, noting, “About a week or two ago, they announced another long contract here at Notre Dame. So, I don’t think we have anything to worry about.” This follows the announcement of a four-year contract extension for Freeman, adding to the three years left on his original six-year deal signed in December 2021.
The new deal includes a salary increase from $7 million to over $9 million annually, along with bonuses for College Football Playoff achievements.
Freeman isn’t the only college coach linked to NFL openings, as Oregon’s Dan Lanning and Texas’ Steve Sarkisian are also getting attention amid the coaching carousel.
Freeman’s mention in these conversations comes after leading Notre Dame to a 10-game winning streak to close the regular season, following their only loss to Northern Illinois.
The Irish also have a two-game postseason streak, including a dominant victory over SEC powerhouse Georgia in the Sugar Bowl quarterfinals.
Freeman and Notre Dame now prepare for their semifinal clash with Penn State, hoping for the school’s first national championship since 1988.
