By: Len Clark Ph.D
Marcus Freeman becomes the 32nd head coach in Notre Dame history.
Freeman, 35, is a native of Huber Heights, Ohio and played collegiately at Ohio State University (2004-2008) as a linebacker where he was a 2-time All-Big 10 Second Team selection. The four year starter for the Buckeyes also ran track where he competed in the 4×100 meter relay and threw the shot and discus.
He was drafted in the 5th round by the Chicago Bears in the 2009 draft, was part of the Buffalo Bills practice squad and signed by the Houston Texans. He retired in 2010 due to a medical condition.
Freeman began his coaching career at Kent State in 2011, before moving to Purdue to coach linebackers in 2013. In 2016 he joined the staff at the University of Cincinnati under Coach Luke Fickell.
In 2020 he was a finalist for the Broyles Award.
In 2021, Freeman joined the coaching staff at Notre Dame as defensive coordinator under, then, head coach Brian Kelly.
Freeman and his wife Joanna have 6 children, Vinny, Siena, Gino, Nico, Capri and Rocco.
Quotes to note:
When… we had a chance to sit down and think about what we want for our family, and what we want to be a part of… there was no decision to be made. To be a part of the program at the University of Notre Dame, its an opportunity you can’t pass up, you just can’t.
Every day I’m here, I realize more and more why this place is so special. It’s very unique. It’s top of the line in everything we do. And that’s as far as not only football, but academics and everything that comes with being part of Notre Dame.
Phil Houk also contributed to this article.