According to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Chicago Bears are interested in interviewing Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman. The Bears parted ways with Matt Eberflus in the middle of the 2024 season. Freeman has the Fighting Irish on the cusp of their first national title since 1988. Notre Dame defeated Penn State in the Orange Bowl on Thursday. The Irish face Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship game on Jan. 20 in Atlanta. Freeman recently signed a four-year extension at Notre Dame.
“Obviously unlikely he would entertain NFL overtures prior to the game—a week from tomorrow against Ohio State,” Pelissero said on the network on Sunday. “But the Bears have done extensive research for months on Marcus Freeman. He’s only 39 years old. It would not be a shock at some point if he at least considers going to the NFL.”
Freeman, 39, was selected by the Bears in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played his college ball at Ohio State. As head coach of Notre Dame, Freeman has compiled a 33-9 record. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bears are scheduled to interview Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores; Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury; Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken; and Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in the coming week for the vacant head coach position.
Coach of the Year Honors for Freeman
Freeman is this year’s recipient of the George Munger College Coach of the Year Award and the Bobby Dodd Trophy. He is also a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award. In his third season at Notre Dame, Freeman has led the Irish to a 14-1 record in 2024. Numbered among his victories this season are a first-round playoff win over Indiana, a Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia, and an Orange Bowl triumph over Penn State.
It is clear to see why the Chicago Bears and the NFL have an interest in Freeman. He has led Notre Dame to seven victories over opponents ranked in the AP Poll this season alone. Behind a potent offense that includes Jeremiyah Love and Riley Leonard, the Irish beat No. 20 Texas A&M; No. 15 Louisville; No. 24 Navy; No. 18 Army; No. 9 Indiana; and No. 2 Georgia; and No. 5 Penn State.
With the impressive job he has done at Notre Dame, Freeman will undoubtedly attract significant NFL interest. He is likely to receive multiple offers should he choose to pursue a career at the next level.
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