How Marcus Freeman Modernized Notre Dame Into a Contender

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Outspoken With Dan Sileo

Marcus Freeman Has Notre Dame Competing Without Excuses

Marcus Freeman’s leadership has made Notre Dame easier to root for, even for those who once viewed the program as a major rival. Since taking over for Brian Kelly, Freeman has established a culture built around accountability and refusing to accept excuses.

That approach is evident in “Bloody Tuesday,” a weekly practice featuring significant full-contact work regardless of how difficult the previous game was. Players often arrive for interviews still winded and bruised after competing good on good. Rather than slowly easing into game week, Notre Dame receives an immediate shock treatment on Tuesday.

Freeman also recruits at a high level and connects well with players and families, whether he is visiting a living room or communicating through text messages. His relationship with athletic director Pete Pavacqua has also helped the program secure the resources it needs.

Notre Dame has added a new $100 million football facility with all the bells and whistles. The program also has an estimated $45 million payroll, allowing it to compete at a national championship level. Unlike past discussions about shopping in a different recruiting aisle, Notre Dame is now pursuing the same players as other championship contenders.

The program’s modernization began after Notre Dame finished 4-8 in 2016. Brian Kelly could have been fired, but Jack Swarbrick instead asked what the program needed and reviewed every aspect of its operation. Notre Dame addressed nutrition, recovery, academics and efficiency while bringing more resources into the football building.

Meals that were once shared with other students are now handled entirely inside the football building. While eating alongside the wider student body had benefits, competing for a championship required Notre Dame to save and maximize every available minute.

Freeman arrived in 2021 as defensive coordinator and helped bring the defense into the modern era, building on the work already done by Clark Lee. Now in his fifth year as head coach, he essentially has carte blanche to address the program’s needs.

Notre Dame also has a strong general manager in Mike Martin, who previously worked with the Detroit Lions. The program uses an NFL-style evaluation system and takes only about eight transfers per year, far fewer than competitors bringing in 30, 40 or more. Notre Dame focuses on making sure those limited additions are impact players, and they have been.