Whispers linking Marcus Freeman with Steelers not quieting down despite commitment to Notre Dame

As Myles Simmons shared for the Pro Football Talk website, Marcus Freeman once again insisted while speaking with reporters on Wednesday that he plans to remain head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish until further notice. 

It seems some aren't entirely convinced he is fully committed to staying put. 

Do people believe Marcus Freeman would leave Notre Dame for Steelers? 

Roughly 24 hours after Mike Tomlin stunned the football world by stepping down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers after spending 19 seasons in the role, NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated hinted that Freeman would speak with the Steelers about his availability. 

"I think if there's one team that would give him pause and make him think, 'Do I really want to walk away from this?' and might cause him to go to Notre Dame, and I hesitate to say go back on your word because I don't think he's like that, but [he] would [say], 'This is just too much. This is too unique a situation,' I think it's Pittsburgh," Breer explained, per Troy Montgomery of Steelers Depot.

On the surface, whispers linking Freeman and other college candidates with the Steelers make sense. The organization is one of the most storied in the NFL and is tied with the New England Patriots for the most Super Bowl wins (six) in league history. Additionally, the Steelers offer a type of job stability not provided by other professional sports franchises. 

Specifically, the Steelers have employed only three coaches since 1969. Thus, one would think Freeman or a different candidate would be given time to rebuild the Pittsburgh roster. 

Why Marcus Freeman has thus far turned NFL teams down

"If he's gonna leave Notre Dame, it's for Ohio State or the NFL," Breer added about Freeman. "I don't think he had any intention to go back on his word that he gave Notre Dame. ...Marcus decided that this was not the right time; they've got a really good team coming back."

That said, it wouldn't cost the Steelers anything to reach out and see if Freeman would want to chat about the future of the franchise. Considering the Steelers were interested in him before Tomlin stepped down, it sounds like somebody within the organization should give Freeman a call.