Marcus Freeman reflects on decision to give up playing, enter coaching

Most football coaches took the field, themselves, at some point. However, few have transitioned from playing on the gridiron to coaching on it as recently as Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman.

Freeman was a star linebacker at Ohio State from 2004-08. While suiting up for the Buckeyes, Freeman boosted OSU to two BCS National Championship Games. As an individual, the Ohio native finished his career 19th on the school’s all-time tackle list while being selected to the All-Big Ten Second Team twice.

Freeman’s career seemed to know no bounds. The Chicago Bears selected the highly-touted prospect in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. Then, things stalled. Freeman struggled to find a home, playing for three separate teams in one year.

Before Freeman could continue to fight for a spot in the NFL, he was forced out of the league. Doctors diagnosed Freeman with an enlarged left ventricle, effectively ending his NFL career. While Freeman is now in a fantastic position as the leader of the Fighting Irish, he admitted it wasn’t easy to give up his dream.

“I loved the game right just like we all did. You love the competition. You love the unity of being a part of a team. I love that man. I love the locker room,” Freeman said in a recent episode of “The Pivot Podcast.” “Neither of my parents went to college and so my dream, as a young person, was to play at the highest level.”

An idea forms for Marcus Freeman

Although Freeman’s dream was right in front of him, it simultaneously seemed so far away. The constant cuts and discouraging signs weren’t helping. Freeman knew coaching might be his next option.

“I’m like, ‘You know what, I don’t know how long I’ll play this game. This is my third team in one year.’ And I called [former OSU head coach Jim Tressel] and said, ‘If something happens, I can’t play ball. I think I want to be a coach.’ He said, ‘Okay, play as long as you can. Right? And if it happens, you can come coach.’

It didn’t take long for Tressel to be forced to follow through on his word. Freeman was diagnosed with his heart issue shortly after the discussion with his former coach. Freeman was in Columbus the next day, serving as a graduate assistant at Ohio State.

Embracing the path

While the role wasn’t what Freeman had envisioned for himself, he can still recall the moment he fell in love with coaching.

“I remember making these tip sheets. And one of my guys made a second first game and he came over style and we’re hugging and we’re just celebrating at that moment and that’s what it’s about. It’s about seeing young people helping young people have success.

“That’s why you do it. It’s not to be the head coach at Notre Dame now, this is a great platform for me, but man, those dudes I love. I love them and want to see them succeed. So that’s really what I’m getting a passion for.”

Freeman still has plenty of time to develop that passion. At 37 years old, Freeman is entering just his second season as Notre Dame’s head coach. After a 9-4 first season, hopes are high for Freeman’s second year leading the program. Watch Freeman kick off his sophomore effort as Notre Dame takes on Navy on Aug. 26, in Ireland.