CBS Sports makes case for why Marcus Freeman has 'longest leash' of any coach from 2022 carousel

Marcus Freeman has to win at Notre Dame — but he’ll be given some slack if things don’t go perfectly in the beginning of his tenure.

Maybe not by Fighting Irish fans, but CBS Sports believes Freeman is the coach with the “longest leash” of the old faces in new places in college football. According to CBS Sports, Freeman was thought to be the successor to Brian Kelly eventually — but nobody expected Kelly to leave for LSU last offseason.

“There had to have been some thinking that Freeman would eventually take over the Notre Dame program based on how Brian Kelly talked about him as an assistant and the decision by the school to promote him after Kelly’s departure. The school might have thought the promotion was going to come a few years down the line, but when Kelly’s exit to LSU prompted the opportunity, the Fighting Irish did not want to let Freeman get away,” wrote CBS Sports. “That strong connection likely helps Freeman as it pertains to overall job status, because it’s going to take a lot to overturn Notre Dame’s expectation for what he can be as a head coach.

“That’s not to say that he’s free of criticism, but continued success on the recruiting trail under his leadership and competitiveness against the biggest and toughest rivals on the schedule should be enough. More College Football Playoff appearances would be great, but I don’t think they’re a requirement here in Freeman’s first couple of years.”

Nevertheless, Notre Dame didn’t want Marcus Freeman to get away, and he’ll be given every chance to succeed with the program. Compared to many of the other coaches who were hired this offseason, the new boss in South Bend may get some more leeway from decision-makers in his first season.

Kyle Hamilton explains why Marcus Freeman is the right fit at Notre Dame

Although Kyle Hamilton didn’t have Marcus Freeman as his head coach at Notre Dame, the standout safety was still coached by the new Fighting Irish head man while he was in the role of defensive coordinator in South Bend.

After putting together a stellar playing career at Notre Dame while being coached by Freeman, Hamilton is now set to become a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft when it gets underway on Thursday night in Las Vegas.

Joining ESPN’s First Take on Thursday morning ahead of the draft, Hamilton spoke highly of Freeman and explained why he’s the right fit to lead the Irish’s program moving forward.

“I would say just how comfortable the building is with him at the helm,” Hamilton said of Freeman. “He’s actually coming out here today, so he’ll be here for the draft – which I appreciate. He’s a relatable guy. He’s a younger guy. Guys have seen him in his Ohio State uniform clowning him about his bald head and stuff like that and in the NFL.

“Taking criticism from a guy who’s been through it, who’s closer to age with you, and taking coaching from him is probably a little easier. No offense to Coach [Brian] Kelly – he’s a great coach, never done anything ill-will towards me or anyone else that I know of. … He had to do what he needed to do. But I think Coach Freeman is a very fresh spot in the program.”