He isn't going anywhere. Despite the annual winter ritual of NFL teams circling South Bend like sharks in a feeding frenzy, Marcus Freeman is still the head coach of Notre Dame football.
On December 29, 2025, Freeman basically shut down the rumor mill with a simple social media post: "2026…run it back." It was a mic-drop moment for a fan base that has grown accustomed to the anxiety of losing elite coaches to "higher" callings. But for Freeman, the "Dick Corbett Head Football Coach" title isn't a stepping stone. It's the destination.
Honestly, the 2025 season was a bit of a rollercoaster. The Irish finished 10-2. Most teams would kill for that record, but at Notre Dame, it felt like a gut punch because they were the "first team out" of the College Football Playoff. They actually opted out of a bowl game to focus on the future. That’s a bold move. It’s the kind of decision that tells you exactly who Marcus Freeman is—a guy who doesn't care about participation trophies if the big prize isn't on the table.
The Marcus Freeman Era: By the Numbers
If you're wondering why every NFL GM with a vacancy is obsessed with him, just look at the stats. Freeman is currently 43-12 since taking over for Brian Kelly in late 2021.
That’s a winning percentage of .782.
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To put that in perspective, he’s currently ranking right up there with legends like Ara Parseghian and Frank Leahy. In the 2024 and 2025 seasons combined, he led the Irish to 24 wins. That is the most wins in any two-year span in the history of the program. Think about that for a second. More than Knute Rockne. More than Lou Holtz.
Of course, the skeptics will point to the lack of a ring. He got close in 2024, leading Notre Dame to the National Championship game before falling to Ohio State (34-23). But the trajectory is undeniably upward.
Why He Stayed (And What It Cost)
It wasn't just loyalty that kept him in South Bend, though that’s the narrative people love. Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua knows the value of what he has. Reports indicate Freeman received a significant "contract adjustment" rather than just a standard extension. Bevacqua has publicly called the contract a "living, breathing document." Basically, they’re making sure he’s paid like a top-tier coach every single year so he doesn't have a reason to look at a New York Giants or a Chicago Bears helmet and wonder "what if."
He's now technically under contract through 2031.
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The 2026 Coaching Staff: New Faces in South Bend
Being the coach of Notre Dame football isn't just about the guy at the podium; it's about the army he surrounds himself with. The 2026 staff has seen some major shakeups that actually have the local media pretty excited.
- Chris Ash (Defensive Coordinator): Ash is entering his second year running the defense. He’s a veteran who knows how to dial up pressure without leaving the secondary on an island.
- Mike Denbrock (Offensive Coordinator): He’s the architect of the explosive 2024 offense. Having him back to guide the next generation of Irish quarterbacks is huge.
- Charlie Partridge (Defensive Line): This was the splash hire of the 2026 offseason. Partridge came over from the Indianapolis Colts. He is widely considered one of the best defensive line developers in the country. If you want to see Notre Dame's front four start terrorizing backfields, this is the guy who will make it happen.
- Al Washington (Linebackers): After Max Bullough left for Michigan State, Washington shifted over to coach the linebackers. He’s one of the longest-tenured guys on the staff and a recruiting powerhouse.
Managing the Noise
It hasn't been all sunshine and roses. Earlier in January 2026, Freeman had to deal with some weird "click-bait" headlines involving a battery allegation at his son's wrestling match. It turned out to be a whole lot of nothing—no charges were filed, and video evidence cleared him—but it was a reminder of the microscope you're under when you're the coach of Notre Dame football.
"I don't control the noise," Freeman told reporters in his first press conference of 2026. He seemed more interested in talking about the No. 2 ranked recruiting class he just signed than a scuffle at a high school gym.
What to Expect in 2026
So, what’s the plan? Freeman has been very intentional about the transfer portal this cycle. He isn't just grabbing anyone; he’s looking for "void fillers." They recently landed five-star wideout Mylan Graham from Ohio State and defensive tackle Francis Brewu to shore up the middle.
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The goal for 2026 is simple: National Championship or bust.
The 12-team playoff format (and its iterations) makes the path clearer, but the margin for error at Notre Dame remains razor-thin. Freeman knows that 10-2 doesn't cut it anymore. He's built the culture. He's got the "living document" contract. Now, he just needs the hardware.
Actionable Insights for Irish Fans:
- Monitor the O-Line Progress: With Joe Rudolph leading the unit, watch how the younger recruits integrate during spring practice. The offensive line is the heartbeat of Denbrock’s system.
- Watch the Portal "Second Wave": Freeman hinted at being strategic with remaining spots. Expect one more veteran presence in the secondary before summer.
- Check the Schedule: The 2026 schedule is brutal. Mark the early-season away games as the true litmus test for whether this team has the mental toughness to avoid another "snub" by the committee.
Marcus Freeman has chosen Notre Dame over the NFL. Now it's time to see if that loyalty pays off in January.