The First
When Marcus Freeman was named head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in December 2021, he became the 30th head coach in the program’s storied history—and the first Black head coach in the university's long football tradition. Freeman, a former Notre Dame linebacker who played for the team from 2004 to 2008, inherited a program rich in tradition but looking for a new identity after the departure of Brian Kelly to LSU.
Taking over the reins at a school as prestigious as Notre Dame is no small task. The expectations are always sky-high, and the pressure to maintain the program’s legacy while building a championship-caliber team can be overwhelming. But Freeman, who had previously made a name for himself as a top defensive coordinator at Cincinnati, embraced the challenge with confidence and determination.
Now, just two years into his tenure, Freeman has not only silenced the critics but has also elevated the Fighting Irish to new heights. His leadership, vision, and ability to recruit and develop talent have led Notre Dame to the national championship game, making him the first Black head coach in college football history to achieve this feat.
Freeman’s rise to the College Football Playoff National Championship game has been nothing short of meteoric. In his first season at the helm in 2022, Freeman faced a challenging road, inheriting a team that had its fair share of roster turnover and injuries. Yet, Freeman’s leadership and defensive acumen helped stabilize the team, and by the end of the season, Notre Dame had rebounded to win nine games.
What stood out most during Freeman’s early tenure, however, was his unwavering belief in his system and his ability to inspire his players. His energetic, hands-on coaching style, combined with his understanding of the game as a former player, allowed him to connect with his athletes in a way that brought out their best. The 2023 season, however, was when Freeman truly solidified his place in college football history.
In 2023, Notre Dame faced tough competition throughout the regular season, including battles against elite programs in the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC. Despite the challenges, Freeman’s defense became one of the toughest in the country, stifling offenses with an aggressive, physical style of play. Offensively, the team found success with a balanced attack that featured strong quarterback play and a dynamic rushing game, led by one of the nation’s top running backs.
Freeman’s leadership, combined with key victories over powerhouse teams and a few statement wins along the way, propelled Notre Dame into the College Football Playoff. Their inclusion in the playoff was not just a triumph for Freeman but a sign that the Fighting Irish were once again a force to be reckoned with on the national stage.
As Freeman prepares to take the field for the national championship, his success is about more than just football—it is about breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of coaches, players, and fans. In an era where diversity in leadership positions has been an ongoing conversation, Freeman’s achievement is a monumental step forward.
The importance of Freeman's position as the first Black head coach to lead Notre Dame to the national championship cannot be overstated. For Black coaches aspiring to reach the highest levels of college football, Freeman represents a beacon of hope and possibility. His rise challenges the status quo and pushes for greater inclusion, not just in coaching but across all levels of leadership in sports.
His journey also serves as a reminder that success in sports is not solely about overcoming obstacles—it’s about breaking down barriers and changing the narrative. Freeman's leadership in the championship game will inspire countless young athletes and coaches who see him as a role model and example of what is possible when talent, hard work, and dedication meet opportunity.
As Freeman leads Notre Dame into the national championship game, he is fully aware of the significance of this moment—not just for his career, but for the legacy of the program and the broader football community. While his coaching philosophy has always been grounded in discipline, hard work, and unity, Freeman has also cultivated a culture of inclusivity and excellence that resonates with his players.
Facing a formidable opponent in the national championship, Freeman will undoubtedly lean on his experience and strategic acumen to guide his team through the biggest game of his career. But with the leadership and determination that have defined his journey so far, there is little doubt that Freeman is ready to lead the Fighting Irish to their first national championship since 1988.
For Marcus Freeman, this moment is the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and belief in his vision. It is also the beginning of a new chapter in Notre Dame football—a chapter that has the potential to reshape the future of college football leadership.
Marcus Freeman’s rise to the College Football Playoff National Championship as the first Black head coach is not just a historical achievement—it is a statement about what is possible when opportunity meets perseverance. His leadership, combined with his tactical brilliance and ability to connect with his players, has positioned Notre Dame as a championship contender once again.
As Freeman takes the field for the national title, he will carry with him the hopes and dreams of a program, a community, and a new generation of coaches and athletes who believe that barriers can be broken. This is not just a victory for Notre Dame—it’s a victory for all those who believe in the power of hard work, opportunity, and representation in sports.
Marcus Freeman’s legacy is already being written, and no matter the outcome of the national championship game, it will be one that paves the way for greater diversity and success in college football for years to come.