As his team prepares for the College Football Playoff National Championship, Notre Dame's head coach Marcus Freeman He is reportedly a hot commodity on the NFL job market.
Near the top of the interest list are the Chicago Bears, NFL Network reports Tom Pelissero.
“The Bears have done extensive research on Marcus Freeman for several months,” Pelissero reported on Sunday, January 12. “He's only 39. It wouldn't be a shock if he at least considered going to the NFL at some point.
Chicago fired the head coach Matt Eberfluss in November 2024 after a 4-8 start to the season. Interim head coach Thomas Brown finished the season with the Bears, who finished the year 5-12. Brown, the team's former offensive coordinator, will not return as head coach.
“Freeman is in the midst of a magical run with the Fighting Irish to the National Championship game,” Pelissero continued. “Obviously, he's unlikely to entertain NFL games before this game.”
Notre Dame will host Ohio State University in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, Jan. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, in an attempt to win the school's first national title since 1988.
In time appearance on ESPN Even the McAfee show on Monday, January 13, NFL Insider Adam Schefter said, “I hear Marcus Freeman is happy at Notre Dame.”
Just weeks ago on ESPN Heather Dinich reported that Freeman signed “a long-term contract extension believed to be a four-year extension that locks him in for six more years.” Financial details of the deal were not officially disclosed.
“He recently signed this contract. I don't know if it's leverage or not. I have no idea. I don't have direct information beyond that,” added Schefter, 58.
Freeman confirmed in a December 2024 announcement that he had signed a new contract with Notre Dame.
“The investment they continue to pour into our program is invaluable to our student-athletes and staff,” Freeman said. “This commitment goes beyond myself as their goal is to ensure that all aspects of our program are competitive in the highest echelon of college football.”
The Bears have already officially completed several interviews with potential head coaches to fill their vacancy, including the former Seattle Seahawks head coach. Pete CarrollDetroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben JohnsonDetroit Lions Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn and defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins Anthony Weaver.
The team is scheduled to interview the former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy on Wednesday, December 15.
For now, Freeman is focused on Notre Dame's quest for a national title. The College Football Playoff National Championship between the Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes airs Monday, Jan. 20 at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN.
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