Marcus Freeman Responds To Reports Linking Him To NFL Jobs
11/21/2024 01:13 PM
Marcus Freeman addressed speculation of NFL teams considering him for a coaching job this offseason.
On Wednesday, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero listed Freeman as one of 22 young coaches to watch during the NFL's next hiring cycle. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler also wrote that Notre Dame's head coach is "on the radar" of NFL teams seeking a coaching change.
Per Blue and Gold's Tyler Horka, Freeman credited his recognition to Notre Dame's team success.
"It takes us all to achieve the success that we aspire to have," Freeman said. "And so that, to me, is reflection — your name is floating out there, and it's a reflection of how this program is playing and performing every day and on Saturdays."
However, Freeman isn't dwelling on the NFL rumors as Notre Dame competes for a College Football Playoff spot. The Fighting Irish are No. 6 in the latest CFP rankings amid a 9-1 season.
"I try not to waste time thinking about an uncertain future. I tell our players all the time, your future is uncertain," Freeman continued. "So I try not to waste time thinking about things that aren't in the moment."
The 38-year-old claimed he has "no clue" if he wants to coach in the NFL.
"I don't even know what that entails really right now because I've never done it," Freeman said. "But I'm just focused on staying here in the present and getting this team ready to have a great Thursday practice and hopefully putting in the work to achieve the outcome that we want on Saturday."
Freeman, who took over for Brian Kelly at the end of the 2021 season, is 28-9 as Notre Dame's head coach. He previously worked as a defensive coordinator at Cincinnati after coaching linebackers at Kent State and Purdue.
A postseason push may only intensify speculation of NFL teams pursuing Freeman, but Notre Dame will face steep opposition when playing Army at Yankee Stadium this Saturday night. NBC will air the matchup at 7 p.m. ET.
Related: Marcus Freeman Named Coach To Watch' In Upcoming NFL Hiring Cycle
