Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman expected to make Giants decision

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Dec 21, 2025 5:35 PM ET

The buzz is growing about Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and the open New York Giants job.

Freeman’s Fighting Irish cancelled the season after being kept out of the College Football Playoff with a No. 11 ranking. The down time gives Freeman some extra space in his calendar to consider the NFL.

On Sunday, the NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo suggested Freeman would be a top target for the Giants.

“We’ll focus on the Giants here, Marcus Freeman mentioned as a guy that should be in their coaching search, yes, that is the case,” Garofolo said. “I expect him to be the foremost amongst the college candidates.”

Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman expected to listen

Sep 13, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman looks on during warmups before the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

College football insider Josh Pate believes Freeman will at least hear what New York has to offer. However, he thinks Freeman will return to ND for 2026.

“I expect Marcus Freeman to listen and I also expect Marcus Freeman to be the head coach at Notre Dame next season,” Pate posted on X.

I expect Marcus Freeman to listen and I also expect Marcus Freeman to be the head coach at Notre Dame next season https://t.co/z21mdaUpiM

— Josh Pate (@JoshPateCFB) December 21, 2025

Earlier in December, ND athletic director Pete Bevacqua said the program plans to match whatever Freeman is offered by the league.

“I would never say we wouldn’t match anything when it comes to Marcus,” Bevacqua said, via USA Today. “I make sure that he knows that he will be where he deserves to be, and that is at the top, top, top tier of college football coaches when it comes to compensation every year.”

Freeman is 43-12 during his time as head coach of the Irish. Notre made an appearance in the national championship in January, the only season the program made the CFP under Freeman in his four seasons as the permanent head coach.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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