Whereas Notre Dame is getting ready for its first look in a nationwide title sport in over a decade, the Chicago Bears need to poach their head coach, Marcus Freeman.
In accordance with NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Bears have been researching the 39-year-old coach for months and wish to interview him. It is unlikely Freeman will settle for an NFL job interview whereas the Combating Irish put together for his or her Jan. 20 sport towards the Ohio State Buckeyes. Nevertheless, that will not cease the Bears from reaching out and providing Freeman an opportunity to teach on the highest stage of soccer.
For Notre Dame followers, this could sound disconcertingly acquainted to when former head coach Brian Kelly bought curiosity from the NFL in 2013. Notre Dame was totally overwhelmed by Alabama within the BCS nationwide championship sport, 42-14, and Kelly interviewed with the Philadelphia Eagles the subsequent day.
In 2021, Freeman stepped into the top coach function after a yr as defensive coordinator and shortly received over the locker room. Lauded for his potential to get the very best out of his workforce, Freeman has been on the head of a powerful postseason run for the Irish.
Coming into the primary version of the expanded School Soccer Playoff because the No. 7 seed, many thought Notre Dame would not get previous historic powerhouse Georgia. Notre Dame received the Sugar Bowl, 23-10, after which beat Penn State within the Orange Bowl, 27-24, to safe a spot within the CFP title sport.
Freeman has gone 33-9 (together with playoffs) with Notre Dame and has every little thing a corporation needs in a head coach. Whereas he has lots to show within the upcoming title sport, he is already proved able to guiding his workforce by way of adversity after a surprising loss to unranked Northern Illinois College earlier within the season.
Freeman could not have the ability to cross up the prospect to interview for the workforce that drafted him in 2009. And it is unknown whether or not his final purpose is to teach on the skilled stage.
Whereas the Bears are an intriguing workforce with a gifted roster and wish to unlock the complete potential of quarterback Caleb Williams, Freeman ought to look to stay with Notre Dame to construct a legacy there.
As a prime program within the nation with out a nationwide title since 1988, Freeman might redefine Notre Dame’s notion on the planet of school soccer. It would not simply be a title juggernaut of the previous however might be a perennial contender for years to return.