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As his team prepares for the College Football Playoff National Championship, Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman is reportedly a hot commodity in the NFL job market.
Near the top of the list of interested parties is the Chicago Bears, according to the NFL Network Tom Pelissero.
“The Bears have been doing extensive research on Marcus Freeman for months,” Pelissero reported on Sunday, January 12. “He is only 39 years old. It wouldn’t be a shock if he at least considered going to the NFL at some point.”
Chicago fires head coach Matt Eberflus in November 2024 after a 4-8 start to the season. Interim Head Coach Thomas Brown finished the season with the Bears, who finished the year 5-12. Brown, the team’s former offensive coordinator, will not return as head coach.
“Freeman is in the midst of a magical run with the Fighting Irish to a national championship,” continued Pelissero. “He’s unlikely to entertain NFL prelims before this game.”
Notre Dame will take on Ohio State University in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, Jan. 20 from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., attempting to capture the school’s first national title since 1988.
During appearance on ESPN The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, January 13, NFL Insider Adam Schefter he said, “I hear Marcus Freeman is happy at Notre Dame.”
Just weeks ago, ESPN Heather Dinich reported that Freeman signed “a long-term contract extension believed to be a four-year extension that will lock him in for another six years.” Financial details of the contract have not been officially disclosed.
“He recently signed that contract. I don’t know if it’s leverage or not. I have no idea. Other than that, I don’t have direct information,” added Schefter (58).
Freeman confirmed that he had signed a new contract with Notre Dame in a December 2024 statement.
“The investment they continue to make in our program is invaluable to our student-athletes and staff,” Freeman said. “This commitment goes far beyond me as they focus on making sure all aspects of our program are competitive within the upper echelons of college football.”
The Bears have already officially interviewed several potential head coaches to fill their vacancy, including the former Seattle Seahawks head coach. Pete CarrollDetroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben JohnsonDetroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and defensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins Anthony Weaver.
The team is scheduled to interview the former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy on Wednesday, December 15.
For now, Freeman is focused on Notre Dame’s quest for a national title. The College Football Playoff National Championship between the Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes airs Monday, January 20th at 7:30pm ET on ESPN.