Marcus Freeman has seen his coach stock soar since taking over the defense of Cincinnati in 2017, and this has led him to one of the main landing points in all college football. Notre Dame announced on Friday that Freeman, 34, will take over as the defensive coordinator and linebacker trainer for Fighting Irish. He will take over from Clark Lea, who recently took over as head coach of Vanderbilt.
“While we were looking to find someone to command our defense, it was important to find the right person for our program and Marcus and his family are just that,” said Notre Dam coach Brian Kelly. “He has had great success in the field, both in defense and in his direct work with defenders. In addition, he is considered one of the elite recruiters in the ranks of coaches.”
Freeman’s success in Cincinnati elevated the Bearcats program to national prominence. He was fourth nationally in defensive yards per game (4.57) and eighth nationally in defense of scores (16.8 points per game) in 2020. That was the driving force behind a spectacular race that included a regular season unbeaten and vacant at Chick-fil- The Peach Bowl vs. Georgia – Bearcats’ first appearance at New Year’s Six bowl.
Freeman’s defenses in Cincinnati ended in the top three at ACC in defensive points per game in each of the past three seasons, and led the conference in defending scores in each of the past three seasons.
“The work that Marcus did to elevate the programs he participated in speaks for itself, but equally important is the exceptional work he did in building relationships with his team and players,” continued Kelly. “Marcus was our first choice to become our next defensive coordinator and we are delighted that he and his family are joining us in Notre Dame.”
Freeman, a former Ohio State linebacker, has trained with the Buckeyes, Purdue and Kent State since his NFL career ended after the 2009 season.