Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman set to return in 2026

Field Level Media|published: Mon 29th December, 13:23 2025

Nov 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman leads the team from the locker room to play the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman appeared to end speculation he could leave for the NFL with a brief post Monday on social media: "2026...run it back. Go Irish."

The New York Giants, Tennessee Titans and other teams who might be shopping for a new coach will have to look elsewhere for now.

Freeman, 39, has compiled a 43-12 record with the Fighting Irish since taking over when Brian Kelly departed for LSU in December 2021. They reached the national championship game last season, losing to Ohio State.

Earlier this month, Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua acknowledged that "everybody has eyes on Marcus."

"College has eyes on Marcus, NFL has eyes on Marcus. I bet Hollywood has eyes on Marcus," Bevacqua told ESPN. "He's the absolute best coach in the country for Notre Dame, full stop, one of the greatest college coaches in the country."

Freeman was the Notre Dame defensive coordinator in 2021 before replacing Kelly. He previously worked as the DC at Cincinnati (2017-20) and as co-DC at Purdue (2016). He has no NFL coaching experience.

Freeman signed a six-year contract last year and earned a $7.4 million salary in 2025, according to USA Today.

No. 11 Notre Dame finished 10-2 this season and opted out of participating in a bowl game after missing out on the College Football Playoff.

--Field Level Media