Marcus Freeman has seen his coaching stock rise since taking over the Cincinnati defense in 2017, leading him to one of the top landing spots in college football. Notre Dame announced on Friday that Freeman (34) will take over as the defensive coordinator and lineout coach of the Fighting Irish. He takes over for Clark Lea, who recently took over as head coach at Vanderbilt.
“While we were looking to get someone to run our defense, it was important to find the right fit for our program, and Marcus and his family are exactly that,” Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said . “He has achieved great success on the field, both in defense and in his direct work with his lineouts. In addition, he is considered one of the elite recruiters in the coaching ranks.”
Freeman’s success in Cincinnati has elevated the Bearcats program to national prominence. It placed a fourth place finish in defense games per game (4.57) in 2020 and an eighth national score in defense (16.8 points per game) in 2020. A Peach Bowl against Georgia – the first New Year’s six appearance for the Bearcats.
Freeman’s defense in Cincinnati has finished in the top three in the ACC in defensive points per game in the last three seasons and led the conference to record the defense for each of the past three seasons.
“The work that Marcus has done to enhance the programs in which he has been a part speaks for itself, but just as important is the exceptional work he has done to build relationships with his staff and players,” Kelly continued. “Marcus was our best choice to become our next defense coordinator, and we are delighted that he and his family will join Notre Dame.”
Freeman, a former linebacker in the state of Ohio, has coached with the Buckeyes, Purdue and Kent States since his NFL career ended after the 2009 season.