Marcus Freeman's Postgame Handshake With James Franklin Goes Viral
01/10/2025 10:20 AM
Marcus Freeman validated his status as one of the best coaches in college football on Thursday night, leading Notre Dame to an epic win over Penn State in the Orange Bowl.
Notre Dame trailed 10-0 in the first half before finally having success on offense. With under five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Riley Leonard connected with Jaden Greathouse for a 54-yard touchdown that tied the game up. Penn State had a chance to put together a game-winning drive, but Drew Allar threw a costly interception with less than a minute remaining. Mitch Jeter would then make a game-winning field goal from 41 yards out.
After Notre Dame won in thrilling fashion, Freeman walked over to midfield to shake Penn State coach James Franklin's hand. Judging by their interaction, the two coaches have a lot of respect for each other.
Freeman covered his mouth before saying something to Franklin. It seems like it was a friendly chat considering they gave each other one more pat on the back before going their separate ways.
All the respect between Marcus Freeman and James Franklin 🙌 pic.twitter.com/tcWjXr1Ykb
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 10, 2025
Franklin didn't talk about his interaction with Freeman during his postgame press conference. He did, however, show a ton of respect to Notre Dame's head coach.
"We lost to a good football team, that's led by a good man," Franklin said. "He's a class act after the game… You have to give Notre Dame credit, and I know Marcus will do a phenomenal job. I'm happy for him and their university."
With the win over Penn State on Thursday night, Freeman has become the first Black head coach to make the national title game. When asked about that achievement, he had a classy response.
"I've said this before. I don't ever want to take attention away from the team," Freeman said. "It is an honor, and I hope all coaches - minorities, Black, Asian, white, it doesn't matter, great people - continue to get opportunities to lead young men like this."
Freeman will try to lead Notre Dame to its first national championship since 1988 when his squad takes the field on Jan. 20.
Related: ESPN Reporter Taking Heat For Asking Marcus Freeman 'Race-Baiting' Question
