Bears Targeting Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman for HC Vacancy: Report

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The Chicago Bears are focusing on hiring Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman to revitalize the struggling team, according to reports. Per NFL Insider Tom Pelissero (via NFL Network), "The Bears are looking to interview Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman for their HC opening."

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Freeman, in just his third season with the Fighting Irish, has led the team to an impressive 33-9 record and is now preparing to coach Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 20 against Ohio State.

His success, combined with his rapid rise in the coaching ranks, has caught the attention of the Bears, who have reportedly been tracking Freeman for months as a potential candidate for their head coach position.

Freeman's ascent in college football has been remarkable. After taking over as head coach in 2021, following Brian Kelly's departure to LSU, Freeman quickly established himself as one of the brightest young coaches in the country.

Marcus Freeman
Head coach Marcus Freeman of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts after defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions 27-24 in the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on January 09, 2025 in Miami... Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

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This season, Notre Dame posted a 14-1 record and has defeated powerhouse teams such as Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State to reach the national title game. His leadership has transformed the Fighting Irish into a College Football Playoff contender, positioning Freeman as a rising star in the coaching world.

The Bears have reportedly done "extensive research" on Freeman, a sign that they view him as a legitimate candidate. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero noted, "It wouldn't be a shock if at some point he at least considers going to the NFL," suggesting that the Bears are keeping close tabs on Freeman's potential interest in making the jump from college football to the NFL.

Though Freeman signed a four-year extension with Notre Dame in 2023, keeping him with the program through 2030, his name has still floated around as a possible NFL head coaching candidate.

His success, particularly in his short time with the Irish, could make him a highly sought-after figure, especially after leading Notre Dame to its first national championship game appearance since 1988.

The Bears' interest isn't new. Freeman has been mentioned as a potential dark-horse candidate for the job since December, and his name continues to gain traction as Chicago searches for its next leader.

Freeman's NFL experience adds an interesting layer to his candidacy. After a standout career as a linebacker at Ohio State, Freeman was drafted by the Bears in 2009.

Although his NFL career was cut short by a heart condition, he went on to have stints with the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans before transitioning into coaching.

Freeman's early coaching career included positions as linebackers coach at Kent State and Purdue, followed by a stint as defensive coordinator at Cincinnati, where he helped elevate the program from a 4-8 team to a College Football Playoff contender.

In 2021, Freeman moved to Notre Dame as defensive coordinator, setting the stage for his promotion to head coach when Kelly left for LSU. Despite being relatively new to the head coaching scene, Freeman has shown the ability to quickly establish a winning culture, and his defensive expertise is evident in Notre Dame's strong performances on that side of the ball.

However, there are still some questions about Freeman's fit in Chicago, particularly when it comes to developing young quarterback Caleb Williams, whom the Bears selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Freeman has a defensive background, which may lead some to question whether he is the right person to help Williams reach his full potential. If Freeman were to take the Bears job, the team would likely need to bring in an offensive-minded coordinator to complement Freeman's defensive strengths and provide guidance for Williams' development.

Despite these concerns, Freeman's overall track record—both as a player and a coach—speaks volumes. His leadership ability, along with the culture of success he has cultivated at Notre Dame, has undoubtedly caught the attention of the Bears.

Chicago is in the midst of rebuilding, coming off a 5-12 season in 2024, with Williams' development being central to their long-term plans. Freeman's arrival could be the catalyst the Bears need to turn things around, though it remains to be seen whether he is ready to leave his successful college program for the NFL.

If Freeman is open to making the jump to the NFL, it seems likely that the Bears won't be the only team interested. His rise at Notre Dame, especially with the Irish now playing for a national title, has made him one of the most talked-about coaches in the country.

Still, Freeman's primary focus right now is the upcoming championship game, and any talks with the Bears will likely have to wait until after January 20.

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