Notre Dame’s football coach Marcus Freeman will be back for the 2026 season. He signed a new contract with the university, showing their commitment to his leadership. Freeman shared his excitement on social media, saying, “2026…run it back. Go Irish.”
In just four seasons, Freeman has led the Fighting Irish to an impressive record of 43 wins and 12 losses. He took the team to the College Football Playoff National Championship game earlier this year. Despite finishing strong, with ten consecutive wins, they missed out on the playoffs and ended the season ranked No. 11.
Athletic director Pete Bevacqua has been vocal about his support for Freeman. He believes Freeman is the best coach for Notre Dame and is determined to keep him in place. Bevacqua has noted that Freeman deserves top-tier compensation, reflective of his skills and performance.
Freeman’s coaching journey began as a defensive coordinator in 2021. He succeeded Brian Kelly when Kelly moved to LSU. Before Notre Dame, Freeman worked at universities like Cincinnati and Purdue, and he was a standout linebacker at Ohio State.
The team will welcome back key players like quarterback CJ Carr. However, they will also face challenges, losing star running back Jeremiyah Love to the NFL draft.
In recent years, college football has become increasingly competitive. Programs are investing heavily to keep their top coaches, reflecting market trends in sports salaries. According to the NCAA, the average college football coach’s salary has risen significantly, often exceeding $4 million per year for high-profile programs.
Overall, the future looks promising for Notre Dame under Freeman’s leadership, and fans can anticipate an exciting season ahead.
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