After reaching the College Football Playoff national championship in 2024, Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame entered the 2025 season with high expectations. The Irish almost lived up to the hype as they matched their previous 10-2 record and earned a No. 4 ranking in the PFSN College Football Playoff standings.
Urban Meyer Breaks Silence on Marcus Freeman to Michigan Talks
However, the CFP committee placed Notre Dame at No. 11 in the final rankings, keeping the Irish out of the expanded 12-team playoff. Meanwhile, there has been discussion about Freeman considering any coaching moves, especially to a rival program.
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel faces a major decision as he looks to stabilize the Wolverines following multiple scandals and the firing of Sherrone Moore. Kalen DeBoer had been rumored as a leading candidate for the role, but the Alabama head coach smashed those rumors on Monday.
In the latest episode of “The Triple Option” podcast, Mark Ingram asked Urban Meyer for his thoughts on who might be a good fit for Michigan, which ultimately urged Meyer to address Freeman’s name.
“I don’t have much inside scoop on this, but you know, someone said like Marcus Freeman, and what are you out of your mind?” Meyer said. “Here’s what’s going on, Mark. Here’s what’s going on. I’m convinced when you hear that stuff. That’s an agent out there throwing his name out, and I can promise you you’re going to hear the word extension and a raise.”
When Ingram pressed Meyer for names that were circulating for Michigan, the former Ohio State coach jokingly suggested his own, saying,
“Talk to me,” Meyer said. “I think that’s my agent doing that to get me a raise on big noon.”
As for Freeman’s suitor, the Notre Dame coach has been linked to NFL coaching gigs. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that Freeman is among the candidates for the New York Giants’ head coaching vacancy, and he was also connected to the Chicago Bears for several days.
Freeman’s name comes up largely because of his success at Notre Dame. Since taking over in 2022, he has steadily improved the program, compiling a 43-12 record over five seasons. His resume with the Irish includes three consecutive double-digit win seasons and a national championship game appearance last season.
Freeman signed a contract extension last year, keeping him at Notre Dame through the 2030 season, which reportedly included a significant pay raise, putting his annual compensation in the $9-10 million range.
