Marcus Freeman, who has guided the Fighting Irish to this season’s College Football Playoff National Championship, has certainly elevated his reputation in college football. His leadership was on full display when Notre Dame secured a thrilling victory over Penn State to advance to the championship game. Yet, just as quickly as the celebrations began, speculation surfaced about Freeman’s potential jump to the NFL.
In December, Freeman agreed to a four-year contract extension with Notre Dame. Prior to signing the new deal, his buyout was reportedly $4 million, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. It’s likely that the extension increased the buyout amount to make it harder for other programs—or NFL teams—to lure him away. However, for NFL franchises with deep pockets, even a substantial buyout would not be a major obstacle.
Several NFL teams, including the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, and New York Jets, are searching for new head coaches ahead of the 2025 season. Among these organizations, the Chicago Bears seem like a natural fit for Freeman, given his history with the team.
Freeman’s connection to Chicago dates back to the 2009 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Bears in the fifth round. Although he never played a regular-season game for the team, his ties to the franchise could spark mutual interest. Whether Freeman has any desire to return to the organization remains unclear, but the link is undeniable.
Adding to the intrigue, Bears general manager Ryan Poles recently emphasized the team’s desire for a head coach who embodies strong leadership and holds players accountable. Freeman’s track record at Notre Dame demonstrates these qualities, making him a viable candidate. Poles also hinted that the Bears might consider unexpected names in their search. “There’s going to be some [head-coaching candidates] that you don’t expect, that are going to surprise you because we’re digging deeper than we ever have before,” Poles stated. Could Freeman be one of those surprise candidates?
Even if Freeman doesn’t land the Bears’ head coaching job, his leap to the NFL seems inevitable. The combination of his youth, charisma, and proven ability to manage a high-profile program like Notre Dame makes him an attractive option for NFL teams. Unfortunately for the Fighting Irish, the timing of such a transition could be sooner rather than later.
Notre Dame fans may find it bittersweet to watch their team compete for a national championship on Jan. 20, knowing that it might be Freeman’s final game as their head coach. His meteoric rise in the coaching ranks has made him a sought-after figure in football circles. If the NFL comes calling, it could mark the end of his tenure in South Bend, potentially just as his legacy is beginning to take shape.
For now, Notre Dame’s focus remains on capturing a national title, but the shadow of Freeman’s uncertain future looms large. Whether he stays or departs, his impact on the program and his potential as a head coach at the next level are undeniable.
