During a candid interview, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman opened up about his Korean heritage and shared his parenting experiences.
He also mentioned his limited Korean language knowledge and reflected on watching his children grow up. These honest talks reveal Freeman’s thoughtful approach to family life and cultural identity.
How Did Marcus Freeman’s Roots Shape His Coaching and Parenting Philosophy?
Freeman made a humorous confession about his Korean language abilities while appearing on the “Wake Up the Echoes” podcast. The Notre Dame coach revealed his understanding remains quite limited despite his mother’s South Korean roots.
“Yeah, that’s about it. I can understand like Korean when my mom’s mad. Oh, I should know. Okay, when she’s no, I don’t know what she’s saying, but I know if she’s mad. Um I could I had learned how to count in Korean to 10. I thought I probably forgot so don’t ask me,” Freeman admitted with characteristic honesty.
Freeman’s mom, Chong Freeman, is a native of Daegu City, South Korea, and met his father, Michael, who was in the Air Force and stationed at Osan Air Base during the 1970s. This combination of cultures has influenced Coach Freeman’s point of view all along his coaching career.
The conversation tilted towards parenting when Freeman discussed watching his young children grow. As a father of six kids with his wife, Joanna, he said how quickly time passes, particularly with his son Rocco.
“Oh, it goes fast, man. I remember when crew was born, and now he’s three. I didn’t know he’s three. Just shows you how fast time flies, but it’s fun, man. It’s fun out just remember remember little kids, little problems big kids, big problem. Everyone keeps telling me that,” Freeman shared during the podcast.
Freeman emphasized embracing even challenging parenting moments. “Enjoy it little poopy diaper or a little throw up or whining like that’s a little problems man enjoy that stuff then you get to 18 and you gotta deal with big problems. I’d still big attitudes and so well, but that’s fun. Like those are some of the best times man,” he explained.
The Notre Dame coach also discussed teaching delayed gratification to young people, a philosophy he applies both in parenting and coaching college athletes.
“That’s easy. Okay, it’s not easy, but it’s straightforward they’re the greatest things I always say in life take time and so you have to show them like the great things that you want is is all about delayed gratification,” Freeman explained. He emphasized showing young people that achievements like playing at Notre Dame or reaching the NFLÂ require patience and hard work, contrasting with today’s instant gratification culture.
These personal insights showcase Freeman’s balanced approach to leadership both at home and with his Fighting Irish program.
