Marcus Freeman, the head coach of Notre Dame, has dismissed speculation regarding potential vacancies in the NFL for 2026. In a recent post on X.com, Freeman expressed his commitment to the Fighting Irish by stating, “2026…run it back” along with “Go Irish.” This declaration indicates his intention to remain in South Bend for the foreseeable future.
Earlier this month, Notre Dame’s athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, acknowledged that “everybody has eyes on Marcus.” He emphasized the importance of ensuring that Freeman understands his value in the coaching landscape, affirming that he will be compensated among the elite coaches in college football annually.
Since taking the helm in 2021 after Brian Kelly’s departure, Freeman has led the team to an impressive 43-12 record. Notably, he guided the Fighting Irish to the national championship game last season. However, Notre Dame chose to forgo postseason play this year after missing out on a spot in the college football playoffs.
As the NFL season concludes, teams such as the Giants and Titans that have already made changes to their coaching staff may seek new leadership, though Freeman has made it clear he is not currently looking to make that jump. With the upcoming season on the horizon, this affirmation of his commitment bodes well for Notre Dame as they look to build on their recent successes.