Marcus Freeman’s stock has risen as he led the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to the brink of their first national championship since 1988.
The Chicago Bears seemed to have been watching Freeman closely.
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Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman after defeating Penn State in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida on January 9, 2025. (Images by Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn)
The Bears want to interview Freeman for their head coaching job after parting ways with Matt Eberflus midway through the 2024 season, NFL Network reported Sunday. The Bears have not made a decision on Eberflus’ replacement but have been going through the interview process.
Freeman will first have to plan for Notre Dame’s national title game against Ohio State. The Fighting Irish narrowly defeated Penn State to get there.
“Obviously he’s unlikely to consider NFL overtures before that game, a week from now against Ohio State,” NFL insider Tom Pelissero said on the network. “But the Bears have done extensive research for months on Marcus Freeman. He’s only 39 years old. It wouldn’t be a surprise if at some point he at least considers going to the NFL.”
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman holds a football after defeating Penn State in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 9, 2025. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
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Chicago is still set to interview Brian Floires of the Minnesota Vikings, Kliff Kingsubury of the Washington Commanders, Todd Monken of the Baltimore Ravens and Arthur Smith of the Pittsburgh Steelers for the position, according to NFL Network.
Freeman was named Brian Kelly’s replacement at Notre Dame after the former head coach took the LSU job.
He is 33-9 as Notre Dame’s head coach. The Fighting Irish are 14-1 this season after going 9-4 in their first full year in 2022 and 10-3 in 2023.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams during the game against the Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on January 5, 2025. (Images by Jeff Hanisch-Imagn)
The Bears went 5-12 in 2024 with Caleb Williams in his first season at center.
