Career Timeline of Marcus Freeman: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 26, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Marcus Freeman made an impact.

Marcus Freeman is the head football coach at the University of Notre Dame, appointed in 2021. Prior to Notre Dame, where he also served as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, Freeman held assistant coaching positions at the University of Cincinnati, Purdue University, Kent State University, and Ohio State University. He is a former linebacker, bringing playing experience to his coaching career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2004: Freshman Season at Ohio State

In 2004, during his freshman season at Ohio State, Marcus Freeman recorded four tackles while playing in 13 games.

2006: Solid Season with the Buckeyes

During the 2006 season, Marcus Freeman made 71 tackles, starting in 11 of 13 games, and was second on the team with six pass break-ups and two interceptions.

2009: Declared for the NFL Draft

Following the 2008 season, Marcus Freeman declared for the 2009 NFL draft.

2009: NFL Draft and Release

In 2009, Marcus Freeman was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the NFL draft. He was later released before the regular season.

2009: Drafted by Chicago Bears and Later Waived

In 2009, Marcus Freeman was drafted in the fifth round of the NFL draft by the Chicago Bears, appearing in all four preseason games. He was then waived on September 4.

2009: Signed with Houston Texans Practice Squad

On November 4, 2009, Marcus Freeman signed with the Houston Texans practice squad, finishing out the 2009 season with them.

2010: Graduate Assistant at Ohio State

In 2010, Marcus Freeman served as a graduate assistant at Ohio State University.

January 2011: Linebackers Coach for Kent State

In January 2011, Marcus Freeman was hired as the linebackers coach for Kent State University.

2012: Linebackers Coach for Kent State

Marcus Freeman continued his role as the linebackers coach for Kent State in 2012.

January 18, 2013: Hired as Linebackers Coach for Purdue

On January 18, 2013, Marcus Freeman was hired as the linebackers coach for the Purdue Boilermakers.

December 13, 2016: Joined Cincinnati Bearcats Staff

On December 13, 2016, Marcus Freeman joined the Cincinnati Bearcats football staff as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.

2016: Promoted to Co-Defensive Coordinator

In 2016, Marcus Freeman was promoted to co-defensive coordinator at Purdue University.

2018: Led AAC in Defense

In 2018, Marcus Freeman's defense led the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in rushing defense, scoring defense, and total defense, ranking among the Top-15 in the NCAA FBS in all three categories.

2019: Bearcats Top AAC in Scoring Defense

In 2019, the Cincinnati Bearcats, under Marcus Freeman's defensive coordination, finished atop the AAC ranks in scoring defense for the second-straight season and ranked among the league's top three in rushing and total defense.

2020: Turned Down Coaching Offers

Prior to the end of the 2020 season, Marcus Freeman declined multiple coaching positions to remain at Cincinnati, including offers from Ohio State, the Tennessee Titans, and Michigan State.

January 8, 2021: Hired as Defensive Coordinator at Notre Dame

On January 8, 2021, Marcus Freeman was hired as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

December 3, 2021: Selected as Notre Dame Head Coach

On December 3, 2021, Marcus Freeman was selected to replace Brian Kelly as the head coach of Notre Dame, becoming the 32nd head coach in program history.

2021: Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach at Notre Dame

In 2021, Marcus Freeman served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at the University of Notre Dame.

2023: Mixed results for the Fighting Irish

In 2023 Marcus Freeman's Fighting Irish secured the top-ranked quarterback in the transfer portal, Wake Forest's Sam Hartman, and they entered the season ranked 13th. After beginning the season 4–0, the Irish rose to 9th in the rankings but then fell at home to Ohio State, 17–14, in a heartbreaking loss. They finished the regular season 9–3 and ranked 14th after defeating No. 19 Oregon State in the Sun Bowl 40-8 to conclude the season 10-3.

2024: Started with Victory and Loss

In 2024 Marcus Freeman's squad started their campaign with a win against No. 20 Texas A&M, but followed with a loss to Northern Illinois, becoming the first AP Top 5 team to ever suffer a loss to a football team from the Mid-American Conference (MAC).