SOUTH BEND, Ind., January 12, 2026 – The rumors swirling around Marcus Freeman’s potential jump to the NFL have, for now, subsided. Despite a recent flurry of speculation fueled by the timing of a scheduled press conference and the vacancy with the Pittsburgh Steelers, all signs point to Freeman staying put at Notre Dame. It’s a testament to the program he’s building and the commitment the university is making to keep him there.
Freeman’s Future: A Restructured Deal
Table of Contents
What’s the latest on Marcus Freeman’s contract and NFL interest?
Freeman has agreed to a restructured contract that places him among the highest-paid coaches in college football, according to reports from Sports Illustrated. This move comes after he turned down overtures from at least two NFL franchises, including the New York Giants, as previously reported by CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.
NFL Buzz and Notre Dame’s Response
The speculation intensified Tuesday, shortly after Mike Tomlin’s departure from the Steelers after 19 seasons. Freeman had initially signaled his intention to remain at Notre Dame, posting “run it back” on social media in late December, but the NFL rumors persisted. Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua acknowledged the interest from NFL teams, stating he understood why they would pursue one of college football’s fastest-rising coaches, but was actively working to retain Freeman for the long haul.
Freeman himself addressed the NFL interest before Christmas, expressing respect for the league and specifically mentioning the Giants’ storied history. “It reminds me of the honor I have to be in the position I’m in,” he said. “You wouldn’t have said that statement if I didn’t have this job and we weren’t having success.”
A Strong Foundation for Future Success
Bevacqua emphasized the university’s commitment to keeping Freeman at the top of the coaching compensation scale. “I would never say we wouldn’t match anything when it comes to Marcus,” Bevacqua stated. “I make sure that he knows that he will be where he deserves to be…at the top, top, top tier of college football coaches.”
Freeman, who was promoted from defensive coordinator in 2021 following Brian Kelly’s departure to LSU, has compiled a 43-11 overall record at Notre Dame, including a national championship appearance. This season, the Fighting Irish finished with a 10-2 record after a remarkable 10-game winning streak, despite being controversially left out of the College Football Playoff.
Looking Ahead: Notre Dame’s 2026 Outlook
- Despite losing key players, Notre Dame is poised to contend for a national title in 2026.
- Quarterback C.J. Carr returns as the starter, providing stability on offense.
- A favorable schedule and a memorandum of understanding with the College Football Playoff enhance their chances.
- The Fighting Irish boast a top-four recruiting class, adding promising talent to the roster.
Despite the departure of several key players, including running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, Notre Dame is widely expected to be a national title contender in 2026. Quarterback C.J. Carr’s return provides a strong foundation, and a favorable schedule, coupled with the program’s memorandum of understanding guaranteeing a playoff spot if ranked in the top 12, positions them well. The Fighting Irish will play only three true road games – against North Carolina, Syracuse, and Purdue – and have neutral-site contests against Wisconsin and Navy.
Notre Dame’s incoming 2026 signing class, currently ranked fourth nationally by 247Sports, features three five-star prospects: edge rusher Rodney Dunham, tight end Ian Premer, and safety Joey O’Brien. With the transfer portal opening January 2, Freeman has the resources to address any remaining needs and further bolster the roster for a championship run.
