Jim Tressel, former Ohio State coach and 2002 national champion, shared his thoughts on the upcoming College Football Playoff championship game, where his former player Marcus Freeman will lead Notre Dame against Ohio State. While Tressel admits that it will be a challenging experience to watch, he is proud of Freeman’s journey. Though his loyalty lies with Ohio State, Tressel’s respect for Freeman’s growth as a coach is evident, having seen Freeman evolve from a player at Ohio State to the head coach at Notre Dame.
Freeman, who played linebacker for Ohio State from 2004 to 2008 under Tressel, has made a name for himself as Notre Dame’s head coach. Tressel watched Freeman’s career flourish at Kent State, Purdue, and Cincinnati, eventually landing the top job at Notre Dame. Despite similarities between their coaching styles, Tressel emphasized that Freeman has always remained true to himself, a quality he finds particularly commendable in a young coach. Tressel highlighted that many young coaches attempt to emulate others, but Freeman has maintained his own identity while learning from those around him.
Reflecting on Freeman’s time as a player, Tressel recalled Freeman’s role in the Ohio State linebacker room, which included notable players like A.J. Hawk, Bobby Carpenter, and Anthony Schlegel. While Freeman was known for his calm demeanor, Tressel noted that this balanced the more intense personalities around him. Freeman’s strong work ethic and leadership qualities were apparent even then, and Tressel credits Freeman’s parents for raising a grounded individual. Freeman’s humility and empathy for others stood out, and Tressel is quick to credit Freeman’s upbringing for shaping him into the person he is today.
As a coach, Freeman has been influenced by Tressel’s emphasis on special teams, a phase of the game that has always been integral to Tressel’s teams. Freeman, who played special teams as a linebacker at Ohio State, continues to prioritize it as a coach. Tressel acknowledged the critical role special teams play in football and praised Freeman for maintaining focus on every aspect of the game. Tressel pointed to Notre Dame’s victory over Georgia in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, where special teams had a significant impact, as a testament to Freeman’s commitment to the area.
Freeman’s bold decision-making, such as calling for a risky fourth-and-1 play against Georgia, also highlights his strategic mindset. Tressel admired Freeman’s cerebral approach, comparing his coaching style to a chess game where Freeman looks for advantages across offense, defense, and special teams. This mindset reflects Freeman’s growth as a coach who is not afraid to take calculated risks for the benefit of his team.
Tressel has maintained a close relationship with Freeman, often attending Notre Dame games, including the spring game and the Miami-Ohio matchup in September. During one visit, Tressel noticed a group of people he didn’t initially recognize, only to realize they were Freeman’s high school friends. Tressel found it telling that Freeman remained the same person he was two decades ago, showing consistency in character despite his professional success.
Looking ahead to the championship game, Tressel shared his mixed emotions. While he is proud of both Freeman and Ryan Day, Ohio State’s current coach, he acknowledged the difficulty of watching two people he cares about compete for the title. Tressel compared the situation to coaching against Mark Dantonio, Ohio State’s defensive coordinator during Tressel’s tenure, who eventually took the head coaching job at Michigan State. Though it’s a tough scenario for Tressel, he expressed happiness for both Freeman and Day and their success as young coaches.
Tressel’s perspective on the championship game reflects his understanding that sports are about more than just winning. He drew from his own experience of losing national championship games, including a heartbreaking defeat to Marshall in 1992, where his team played well but ultimately lost on the final play. Tressel emphasized that, while winning is important, playing well and giving your best effort is what truly matters in the end. He expressed hope that both teams would play their best game of the season, as he believes that a hard-fought, well-played contest is something to be proud of, regardless of the outcome.
In conclusion, Tressel’s pride in Freeman’s development as both a player and coach is clear. Despite his ties to Ohio State, Tressel is pleased to see Freeman chart his own path, staying true to himself and remaining grounded despite the pressures of coaching at a high-profile program like Notre Dame. Their shared history and mutual respect make the upcoming championship game a bittersweet experience for Tressel, but it also serves as a testament to the lasting impact of mentorship and the importance of authenticity in coaching. Whether it’s coaching style or personal character, Freeman has stayed true to the values instilled in him by Tressel, and that consistency has helped guide him to the pinnacle of college football coaching.
