Joel Klatt praises Marcus Freeman, takes subtle shot at Brian Kelly after Sugar Bowl win

As Notre Dame awaited its College Football Playoff fate following the 2021 season, it found itself needing a new coach. Brian Kelly surprised many around the college football world when he left for LSU, and the Fighting Irish moved swiftly to promote Marcus Freeman from defensive coordinator.

Kelly’s move is back in the spotlight Thursday night, though. Notre Dame knocked off Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, ending a 31-year major bowl drought. Freeman continues to build the Fighting Irish as he goes through his third year, and FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt took notice.

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Klatt had high praise for Freeman and the job he’s doing in South Bend. He also pointed out where Notre Dame is compared to when Kelly departed, which he called a credit to the culture put in place over the last two-plus seasons.

Marcus Freeman took a job that Brian Kelly ran from and has elevated it above where he found it…Well done sir! Great leader with an outstanding culture @NDFootball

— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) January 3, 2025

“Marcus Freeman took a job that Brian Kelly ran from and has elevated it above where he found it,” Klatt wrote on X. “Well done sir! Great leader with an outstanding culture.”

Klatt also pointed out the job Kelly did at Notre Dame after taking over for Charlie Weis. He became the winningest coach in program history and took the Fighting Irish to two College Football Playoffs during his tenure.

Kelly’s decision to leave for LSU, in his words, was because he wanted to compete for a national championship in the SEC. Klatt noted he didn’t necessarily push back, but rather is pointing out just how well Freeman is doing in his first head coaching job.

“Brian did a phenomenal job at Notre Dame,” Klatt added. “Many, including me, didn’t argue with his premise…Marcus just went to work and built something special.”

Inside Notre Dame’s transformation under Marcus Freeman

Marcus Freeman’s first game as Notre Dame head coach came in the Fiesta Bowl. The Fighting Irish saw a halftime lead evaporate against Oklahoma State as the bowl drought continued.

Then, he hit the ground running. Notre Dame’s last three recruiting classes ranked No. 6, No. 10 and No. 11 in the country, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Ranking. After this year’s Early Signing Period, the Irish currently sit at No. 12 in the nation.

At the same time, Notre Dame has been ascending on the field. The Fighting Irish went 9-4 in his first season in 2022 and 10-3 in 2023. That increased expectations for 2024, with College Football Playoff aspirations.

Now, Notre Dame is heading to the CFP semifinals after back-to-back wins over Indiana and Georgia as part of a 12-game winning streak. Thursday’s win also marked the second win for the Fighting Irish over a ranked SEC team this year, which is one more than Kelly’s LSU team had en route to an 8-4 record.