Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish concluded a remarkable college football season as national championship runners-up, falling to Ohio State 34-23 in the title game. The Fighting Irish finished the year with an impressive 14-2 record, including a 13-game win streak that carried them through victories over Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State in the College Football Playoff.
The Golden Standard ☘️
Congratulations to Coach Marcus Freeman on being named the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year #GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/RIiIhBeun4
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) January 23, 2025
Freeman’s exceptional leadership during the 2024 campaign earned him the prestigious Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Award, a recognition given to the nation’s best coach. He joins an elite group of past winners, with Florida State’s Mike Norvell claiming the honor in 2023. Freeman edged out a strong field of finalists, including Shane Beamer (South Carolina), Curt Cignetti (Indiana), Spencer Danielson (Boise State), Kenny Dillingham (Arizona State), Rhett Lashlee (SMU), Jeff Monken (Army), and Steve Sarkisian (Texas).
Since taking over as head coach in 2022, Freeman has revitalized Notre Dame football. Succeeding Brian Kelly, Freeman has amassed a 33-9 record over three seasons, solidifying his reputation as one of the brightest coaching minds in the sport. The 2024 season saw Notre Dame notch seven wins against ranked opponents, including Army, Navy, Louisville, Texas A&M, Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State.
At just 39 years old, Freeman is among the youngest head coaches at the FBS level. Despite his relatively short tenure and limited head coaching experience, he guided Notre Dame to its first national title game appearance in years and earned widespread respect across the college football landscape.
Freeman’s 2024 season not only highlighted his ability to inspire his team but also solidified his position as one of the most promising leaders in college football today.
