Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman will stay for 2026 despite NFL interest, after a 10-2 season and national title appearance in 2024.

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman will return for the 2026 season, confirming his decision to stay with the Fighting Irish despite reported interest from NFL teams including the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans. The 39-year-old, who has led Notre Dame to a 43-12 record since 2021, including a national championship appearance in 2024, posted “2026... run it back” on social media to signal his commitment. He has no NFL coaching experience and signed a six-year contract with a $7.4 million salary in 2025. The team finished 10-2 in 2025, missed the College Football Playoff, and opted out of a bowl game. Athletic director Pete Bevacqua acknowledged widespread interest in Freeman, calling him one of the top college coaches in the country.