Marcus Freeman isn’t leaving South Bend just yet.
The Notre Dame head coach will remain with the Fighting Irish and not further pursue an NFL opportunity.
Freeman, 39, confirmed his decision with a social media post on Monday.
“2026...run it back,” Freeman wrote. “Go Irish.”
Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde reports Freeman communicated his decision to a pair of NFL teams with whom he had been discussing their head coaching vacancy. He also notes that the school has confirmed an amended contract for Freeman, tacking on an additional year to the six-year pact he agreed to last year.
A native of Dayton, OH, Freeman became head coach of the Irish at the conclusion of the 2021 season after Brian Kelly departed for LSU. He had joined the team as defensive coordinator ahead of the season.
In four years as Irish head coach, Freeman is 43-12 and led the team to the National Championship Game this past January, ultimately falling to his alma mater, Ohio State.
The Irish were 10-2 this past season, with their losses coming to Texas A&M and Miami, and controversially missed out on the College Football Playoff. The team declined any bowl game invitations following the snub. The Irish were expected to play BYU in the Pop-Tarts Bowl with their place taken by Georgia Tech.
