Report: Chicago Bears interested in interviewing Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported early Sunday that the Chicago Bears are interested in interviewing Notre Dame head football coach Marcus Freeman for its head coach vacancy.
On Nov. 29, 2024, the Bears fired Matt Eberflus after a 14-32 record in two-plus seasons.
“I am told the team wants to interview Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman for the job,” Pelissero said. “Freeman is in the midst of a magical run with the Fighting Irish to the national championship game. Obviously, [it’s] unlikely that he would entertain NFL overtures prior to that game — a week from tomorrow — against Ohio State.
“But the Bears have done extensive research for months on Marcus Freeman. He’s only 39 years old, and it would not shock if at some point he at least considers going to the NFL.”
This isn’t the first time Freeman’s name has popped up in conjunction with the Bears’ job. NFL insider Peter Schrager of Fox Sports and others discussed the interest Chicago had in the Irish head coach who is in his third year leading the ND football program.
When that report surfaced Blue & Gold’s Tyler Horka asked Freeman about the rumors.
“I think it’s just an example of what I tell our players every day; with team glory and with team success comes individual recognition and individual glory,” Freeman said Nov. 21. “With team success comes individual success, but that’s nothing that has took any of my attention away from preparing for these playoffs.
“I try not to waste time thinking about an uncertain future. I tell our players and all the time, your future is uncertain. So I try not to waste time thinking about things that aren’t in the moment. And so I haven’t spent any time really thinking about what the future will provide.
“Do I ever want to coach in the NFL? I have no clue. I don’t even know what that entails really right now because I’ve never done it. But I’m just focused on staying here in the present and getting this team ready to have a great Thursday practice and hopefully putting in the work to achieve the outcome that we want on Saturday.”
Top 10
- 1Hot
Former Notre Dame QB
Trashes OSU QB Will Howard
- 2
Auburn at no. 1?
Projecting new hoops AP poll
- 3New
Marcus Freeman
Chicago Bears expressing interest
- 4
Johni Broome injury
New update on Auburn star
- 5
Ryan Day, Lou Holtz
OSU coach has blunt response
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
ESPN’s Hannah Storm also asked Freeman eight days ago about being an NFL coaching candidate, and he did his best to reassure Irish fans.
“I don’t know when they announced it — I can’t remember, but about a week or two ago — they announced another long contract here at Notre Dame,” said Freeman. “So, I don’t think we have anything to worry about.”
On Dec. 15, ESPN’s Heather Dinich reported that Freeman agreed to a four-year deal that will keep him under contract at Notre Dame through 2030 and is believed to make him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.
Marcus Freeman is 33-9 in his tenure as Notre Dame’s head coach. On Jan. 20, he’ll have his Fighting Irish battling his alma mater — the Ohio State Buckeyes — in the national championship game.
