Report: Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman on New York Giants' list, expected to 'garner interest' from other NFL teams

For the past two seasons, noise around Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has circulated in NFL circles. That noise grew louder with a report from The Athletic on Saturday morning.

According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Freeman’s name is on the New York Giants’ list of candidates for their head coaching vacancy. The Giants fired former head coach Brian Daboll in November after a loss to Chicago Bears, and many have speculated that Freeman is one of their top targets.

“The New York Giants have a list of candidates for their head-coaching vacancy,” Russini wrote. “I’m told the names on it include Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak … and Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman.”

Russini also said that other NFL teams have their eye on Freeman, who has a 43-12 record at Notre Dame and led the Irish to the national championship game last season. It’s worth noting that Freeman has never coached in the NFL, but that hasn’t stopped teams from believing he can.

“I also expect Freeman to garner interest from other NFL organizations,” Russini wrote. “The 39-year-old has spent the past four years leading Notre Dame, taking the Irish to the national championship game last season.

“Last December, he agreed to a lucrative contract extension through 2030. And though he has never coached in the NFL, his leadership, people skills and ability to thrive in one of the most high-profile jobs in the country are what’s drawing the interest of general managers and owners.”

Notre Dame athletics director Pete Bevacqua said Tuesday that he considers Freeman’s contract a “living, breathing document” that the Irish are willing to revise every year to keep him happy. There is no confusion over where he and the athletic department stand on Freeman, and if he does eventually leave for the NFL, it will not be because Notre Dame failed to satisfy him.

“It’s one of my main obligations and responsibilities to this university: to make sure Marcus wakes up every day knowing that he is supported and valued by Notre Dame,” Bevacqua said.

Still, if Freeman considers the NFL to be the next step in his career and sees an opening he likes, there isn’t much the Irish can do to stop that.

It’s clear that the calls from NFL teams will not stop any time soon. The question is if Freeman is willing to listen.