After he concludes his third season as Notre Dame's head coach, Marcus Freeman could emerge as a possible NFL hire.
Freeman has the Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff hunt. They're 9-1 this season and 28-9 under the former Ohio State linebacker. One NFL insider mentioned Freeman as a candidate to transition to the pros.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero identified 22 rising young coaches to monitor during this offseason's hiring cycle. Freeman was the only current college coach listed.
"NFL teams have inquired about Freeman in recent years amidst his meteoric rise in coaching, from his first GA job at his alma mater (Ohio State) in 2010 to becoming the head coach of one of college football's most iconic programs (Notre Dame) 11 years later," Pelissero wrote. "Since taking over in the aftermath of Brian Kelly's midnight exit for LSU, Freeman has led the Fighting Irish to a 28-9 record and current No. 6 national ranking. He's an engaging presence who will win the interview -- if and when he's willing to take one."
Freeman quickly rose up the college coaching ladder. He coached linebackers at Purdue from 2013 to 2015 before getting promoted to co-defensive coordinator for the 2016 season.
The former fifth-round draft pick landed a defensive coordinator position with Cincinnati the following year. He took the same job with Notre Dame in 2021 but ended the campaign by coaching the Fiesta Bowl following Kelly's abrupt departure.
This year, Notre Dame has overcome a stunning loss to Northern Illinois to win eight straight games. The Fighting Irish have allowed just 11.4 points per game this season while scoring more than 50 points three times.
NFL teams may call this winter, but Freeman is currently focused on Saturday's pivotal matchup against the undefeated Army Black Knights. NBC will televise the rivalry game at 7 p.m. ET.
Related: Notre Dame Might Not Control Its College Football Playoff Destiny