As his team prepares for the College Football Playoff National Championship, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is reportedly a hot commodity within the NFL job market.
Near the top of the list of interested parties is the Chicago Bears, according to the NFL Network’s 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 would not 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 ended 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,” Pelissero continued. “Obviously unlikely that he would entertain NFL overtures prior to that game.”
Notre Dame takes on The Ohio State University in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, January 20 from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, attempting to win the school’s first national title since 1988.
During an appearance on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, January 13, NFL insider Adam Schefter said, “I have heard that 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 up for six more years.” Financial details of the contract were not officially disclosed.
“He did sign that deal recently. I don’t know whether that’s leverage or not. I have no idea. I don’t have direct information beyond that,” Schefter, 58, added.
Freeman confirmed he had signed a new contract with Notre Dame in a December 2024 statement.
Related: Notre Dame Coach Marcus Freeman’s Family Guide: Wife Joanna and 6 Kids
Courtesy of Marcus Freeman/Instagram Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has quite the impressive squad off the field, too. Freeman, 38, who became the head football coach at Notre Dame in December 2021, married his wife, Joanna Freeman, in 2010. The couple met during Marcus’ time at The Ohio State University, where Marcus was a […]
“The investment they continue to pour into our program is invaluable to our student-athletes and staff,” Freeman said. “This commitment goes well beyond myself, as they are dedicated to ensuring all aspects of our program are competitive within the upper echelon 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 Carroll, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.
The team has an interview scheduled for 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.
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