Marcus Freeman is that dude. You know, the type of coach every program dreams of landing but rarely gets. He’s not just cooking up wins at Notre Dame—he’s flipping the entire culture. First Asian-American head coach in the Fighting Irish history, the second Black head coach ever, and the most jacked and good-looking head coach. And now, he’s out here racking up Ws like it’s just another Saturday afternoon at the FBS independent division. With a 30-9 record in just 3 years, Freeman isn’t just building a legacy—he’s literally carved his name into the Notre Dame history books. Young, sharp, and elegant as ever, this man’s got South Bend on lock, and the world’s finally taking notice.
Let’s rewind for a second. Back in late 2021, Freeman signed a $6.8-ish million deal to leave his defensive coordinator bag behind and step into the head coach spotlight. Now? The guy’s cooking with gas. Notre Dame handed him a four-year extension, keeping him in town until 2030, and word is, his new paycheck puts him up there with the big dogs in college football. No official numbers yet, but just imagine, if 6.8 mil was the appetizer, you better believe this extension is the main course.
Freeman’s extension also comes with an increase in Notre Dame’s staff salary pool and his own salary increase that makes him one of the highest paid in the country, source tells @YahooSports.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 16, 2024
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Notre Dame isn’t playing around either. Freeman’s new deal comes with a juiced-up salary pool for his staff, meaning the Irish are stacking chips to keep the squad elite. Freeman kept it classy, of course, saying, “The investment they continue to pour into our program is invaluable to our student-athletes and staff.” Translation? ‘Y’all better keep cutting those fat checks, and I’ll keep us winning.’
Look, this ain’t just about the money. Freeman’s been the anchor Notre Dame needed after Brian Kelly dipped for LSU. He low-key groomed Marcus Freeman into head coach before he went to Baton Rouge. In his first season, he pulled 9 wins out of nowhere. Year 2? 10 wins. And this season? An 11-1 statement season with a CFP spot locked in. Talk about leveling up. Freeman’s got that dawg in him—the type of coach who turns underdogs into contenders.
How long will Marcus Freeman stay in South Bend?
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Alright, so the ink on this contract is barely dry, and we’re already asking the million-dollar question: how long’s Freeman sticking around? He’s signed until 2030, but let’s not act brand new. Coaches and long contracts are like TikTok trends—here for a good time, not a long time. If Freeman keeps stacking dubs and Notre Dame stays in the playoff mix, you know the NFL’s gonna come knocking.
But here’s the kicker: Freeman’s vibe just screams Notre Dame. He’s not just coaching for the bag; he’s building something bigger. The man’s all about meritocracy, giving kids a shot based on heart, hustle, and grind. Plus, Notre Dame’s giving him the tools to succeed—money, facilities, and trust. Why leave when you’re getting everything you need to run the show?
Let’s not forget the legacy he’s creating. Freeman’s breaking barriers as the first Asian-American and second Black head coach in a program that’s been around since 1887. That’s not just rare—it’s monumental. And Freeman? He knows it. Staying at Notre Dame isn’t just about football for him; it’s about paving the way for the next generation.
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Marcus Freeman isn’t just the coach of the Irish—he’s low-key the heartbeat of South Bend. With 6 more years locked in and a program on the rise, Notre Dame is investing big on their guy. And honestly? Who wouldn’t? If Freeman’s cooking like this now, just wait till the next chapter. South Bend’s in for a wild ride.
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Can Marcus Freeman's magic at Notre Dame withstand the inevitable lure of the NFL?
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Can Marcus Freeman's magic at Notre Dame withstand the inevitable lure of the NFL?
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