History of Marcus Freeman in Timeline

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

1932: Modern-Era Scoring Record

Notre Dame concluded the season on a 10 game win streak with all wins coming by double figures after defeating Stanford 49-20. Before that, in 1932 Notre Dame set their modern-era scoring record by defeating Syracuse 70-7 in South Bend, marking the first time the team scored 70 points since 1932.

1976: Freeman's Mother Moved to Ohio

In 1976, Marcus Freeman's mother, Chong Freeman, moved from South Korea to Ohio after his father, Michael Freeman, completed his service in the U.S. Air Force.

January 10, 1986: Marcus Freeman's Birth

On January 10, 1986, Marcus Louis Freeman was born. He is now an American football coach and former linebacker.

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.

2005: Redshirted After Knee Injury

In 2005, Marcus Freeman was redshirted after suffering a knee injury in the Buckeyes' first game against Miami (OH).

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.

2007: All-Big Ten Second Team Selection

In 2007, Marcus Freeman was a second-year starting linebacker and part of three special units. He was named second-team All-Big Ten after totaling 109 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and five pass deflections.

2008: Named to All-Big Ten Second Team

In 2008, Marcus Freeman started all 13 games for the Buckeyes, recording 84 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, four pass breakups, a fumble recovery, and 3.5 sacks. He was named to the All-Big Ten second team for the second straight year and was an Academic All-Big Ten selection.

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.

February 2010: Diagnosed with Enlarged Heart Condition

In February 2010, Marcus Freeman was diagnosed with an enlarged heart condition by a team physician before signing with the Indianapolis Colts.

2010: Marriage to Joanna

In 2010, Marcus Freeman married Joanna (née Herncane), whom he had dated since college.

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: Broyles Award Finalist and 247Sports Coordinator of the Year

During the 2020 season, Marcus Freeman was a finalist for the Broyles Award and was named the 247Sports Defensive Coordinator of the Year.

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.

2022: Became a Catholic

In 2022, Marcus Freeman became a Catholic.

2022: Started with Three Losses

In the 2022 season, Marcus Freeman opened as head coach with losses to No. 2 Ohio State and Marshall, becoming the first head coach in Notre Dame history to start his career with three losses.

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).

January 1, 2025: Notre Dame Wins First Playoff Game

On January 1, 2025, the Irish were originally set to play the 2nd-seeded Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl, but due to the 2025 New Orleans truck attack the game was rescheduled to the following day.