Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame Tenure Outshines Any Florida Coaching Offer
Marcus Freeman’s coaching run at Notre Dame has been something to watch. His current gig offers perks that most other programs just can’t match.
Whenever chatter starts up about big coaching changes, Freeman’s name gets tossed in the mix. Still, the pull of staying at Notre Dame—with its unique benefits—seems too strong for him to consider a jump to places like Florida or even Penn State.
Notre Dame’s independence and built-in advantages make it a near-perfect fit for Freeman. A move elsewhere? Hard to see why he’d bother.
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The Unique Advantages of Coaching at Notre Dame
Notre Dame isn’t tied down by a conference, and that’s a real edge for Freeman. Unlike schools in the SEC or Big Ten, he doesn’t have to slog through a brutal conference schedule every year.
That freedom means the Irish can zero in on key matchups and avoid some of the headaches that come with conference play. It’s a different game, and honestly, it’s a little less punishing.
Strategic November Schedule
One of the sweetest perks for Freeman is Notre Dame’s November slate. As the season wraps up, they’re playing teams like Boston College, Navy, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and Stanford.
This “easy runway” into the playoff conversation? Not many other schools get that. Think about Florida—they’re battling Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee in November. That’s a gauntlet.
Playoff Committee Respect
Notre Dame has earned serious respect from the playoff committee, on par with the SEC and Big Ten. That matters for Freeman.
If the Irish finish strong, they’re in a good spot for a playoff bid. They don’t even have to deal with a conference title game—just rest up and prep, assuming things go right.
Comparing Notre Dame to Other Coaching Opportunities
Stack Notre Dame up against other big-name jobs, and it’s clear the Irish have some rare advantages. Take the Florida Gators, for example. They just parted ways with Billy Napier, and the SEC is a relentless grind.
High expectations, a brutal schedule, and no real breathing room. Compared to that, Notre Dame’s playoff path looks a lot more inviting.
The SEC Challenge
Look at Brian Kelly—he left Notre Dame for LSU, and it’s been a rocky road. Swapping independence for the SEC’s chaos hasn’t worked out the way he probably hoped.
The SEC is just a different beast. Freeman seems to get that, and honestly, it’s tough to blame him for sticking with the easier road in South Bend.
Ohio State: The Only Tempting Alternative
Ohio State might be the only other job that could catch Freeman’s eye. It’s his alma mater, and they’ve got the resources to build something huge.
But with Ryan Day still there, Freeman doesn’t seem in any rush to leave. Why would he? The setup at Notre Dame is just too good right now.
Freeman’s Commitment to Notre Dame
Freeman’s been vocal about keeping Notre Dame independent. On the “Bussin’ with the Boys” podcast, he said he and the administration feel good about making the playoffs without joining a conference.
That confidence isn’t just talk—it’s backed up by strong recruiting classes and solid results on the field.
Recruiting Success
Freeman’s latest recruiting class actually outranks Brian Kelly’s at LSU. He’s landed three five-star prospects, which is no small feat.
People used to say Notre Dame couldn’t land top talent. That argument doesn’t really hold up anymore, especially with NIL deals now in play. The Irish are positioned to keep competing at the highest level.
Cultural Fit
Freeman converted to Catholicism in 2022, and he just fits at Notre Dame. He looks sharp in the school colors and seems to really buy into the program’s traditions.
Unless he suddenly develops a craving for Cuban food that only Florida can satisfy, it’s tough to imagine him leaving any time soon.
Conclusion: Why Freeman Should Stay at Notre Dame
Marcus Freeman finds himself in a pretty enviable spot at Notre Dame. The school’s independence gives him some real breathing room.
Notre Dame’s strategic advantages and the respect it gets from the playoff committee? Hard to beat, honestly.
Other big-name coaching jobs have their perks, sure. But do any of them really offer what Notre Dame does?
If I were Freeman, I’d think twice before moving on.
For more detailed insights, you can read the original article on USA Today.
