History of Marcus Freeman in Timeline

Marcus Freeman is the head football coach at the University of Notre Dame. Prior to becoming head coach in 2022, he served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the Fighting Irish in 2021. Before Notre Dame, Freeman held assistant coaching positions at the University of Cincinnati, Purdue University, Kent State University, and Ohio State University. He is a former linebacker who transitioned into coaching.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1976: Freeman's Mother Moved to Ohio

In 1976, Marcus Freeman's mother, Chong Freeman, moved from South Korea to Ohio after his parents met while his father was serving in the U.S. Air Force.

January 10, 1986: Marcus Freeman Born

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, Marcus Freeman finished his freshman season with four tackles while playing in 13 games for Ohio State.

2005: Redshirted Due to Injury

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

2006: Key Player in 2006 Season

During the 2006 season, Marcus Freeman made 71 tackles, started 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

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

2008: All-Big Ten Second Team Again

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, leading to his second consecutive All-Big Ten second team selection and Academic All-Big Ten honors.

2009: Declared for 2009 NFL Draft

Following the 2008 season, Marcus Freeman declared for the 2009 NFL draft to pursue a professional football career.

2009: Waived by the Bears

In 2009, Marcus Freeman was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the NFL draft and appeared in all four preseason games, however he was waived on September 4th.

2009: NFL Draft and Retirement

In 2009, Marcus Freeman was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the NFL draft but was released before the season began. He then served on practice squads for the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans before retiring due to a heart condition.

2009: Signed with Houston Texans

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

2010: Marriage to Joanna

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

2010: Graduate Assistant at Ohio State

In 2010, Marcus Freeman served as a graduate assistant at Ohio State University, beginning his coaching career.

January 2011: Linebackers Coach for Kent State

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

2012: Continued as Linebackers Coach at Kent State

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

January 18, 2013: Linebackers Coach for Purdue

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

December 13, 2016: Defensive Coordinator at Cincinnati

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 for the Purdue Boilermakers.

2018: Top Defense in the AAC

In 2018, under Marcus Freeman, Cincinnati's defense led the AAC in rushing defense, scoring defense, and total defense, ranking among the Top-15 in the NCAA FBS in all three categories.

2019: Continued Defensive Success

In 2019, the Cincinnati Bearcats, under Marcus Freeman, 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: Awards and Honors

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

January 8, 2021: Hired by Notre Dame

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

December 3, 2021: Head Coach of Notre Dame

On December 3, 2021, Marcus Freeman was selected to become the 32nd head coach in program history at Notre Dame, replacing Brian Kelly.

2021: Defensive Coordinator at Notre Dame

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

2022: Conversion to Catholicism

In 2022, Marcus Freeman converted to Catholicism.

January 1, 2025: Sugar Bowl Win

On January 1, 2025, the Notre Dame team beat the Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl by a score of 23–10, marking the first time in program history that Notre Dame had a 13-win season.