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As his team prepares for the College Football Playoff National Championship, Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman is reportedly a hot commodity within the NFL job market.
Near the top of the list of interested parties are the Chicago Bears, according to the NFL Network Tom Pelissero.
“The Bears have done extensive research for months on Marcus Freeman,” Pelissero reported on Sunday, January 12. “He is only 39 years old. It wouldn’t be a shock if at some point he at least considers going to the NFL.”
Chicago fired head coach Matt Eberflus in November 2024 after a 4-8 start to the season. Interim head coach Thomas Brown finished the season with the Bears, who finished the year 5-12. Brown, the team’s former offensive coordinator, will not return as head coach.
“Freeman is in the midst of a magical run with the Fighting Irish to the National Championship Game,” continued Pelissero. “Clearly unlikely that he would entertain NFL openers before that game.”
Notre Dame will take on Ohio State University in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, January 20 from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, looking to win the school’s first national title since 1988.
During appearance on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, January 13, NFL insider Adam Schefter He said, “I’ve heard Marcus Freeman is happy at Notre Dame.”
Just weeks ago, ESPN’s Heather Dinich reported that Freeman signed “a long-term contract extension, believed to be a four-year extension that locks him in for another six years.” The financial details of the contract were not officially disclosed.
“He signed that deal recently. I don’t know if that is leverage or not. I have no idea. I don’t have direct knowledge beyond that,” Schefter, 58, added.
Freeman confirmed that he had signed a new contract with Notre Dame in a statement in December 2024.
Courtesy of Marcus Freeman/Instagram Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has an impressive squad off the field as well. Freeman, 38, who became Notre Dame’s head football coach in December 2021, married his wife, Joanna Freeman, in 2010. The couple met during Marcus’ time at Ohio State University, where Marcus was (…)
“The investment they continue to pour into our program is invaluable to our student-athletes and staff,” Freeman said. “This commitment goes far beyond myself, as they are dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of our program is competitive within the top tier of college football.”
The Bears have already officially completed multiple interviews with potential head coaches to fill their vacancy, including former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete CarrollDetroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben JohnsonDetroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.
The team has an interview scheduled for the former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy on Wednesday, December 15.
For now, Freeman remains focused on Notre Dame’s quest for a national title. The College Football Playoff National Championship between the Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes airs Monday, January 20 at 7:30 pm ET on ESPN.
