Can the Chicago Bears withstand Marcus Freeman as he puts Notre Dame on the verge of a national championship?

As the NFL season rolls into its final stretch, the Chicago Bears find themselves in a unique position: they have the opportunity to face off against a rising force in college football that could make waves in the coming years. That rising force is none other than Marcus Freeman, the young and dynamic head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Freeman, who took over the reins at Notre Dame in 2021, has quickly turned the program into a contender and has them on the verge of a national championship.

With Freeman’s leadership and a roster brimming with talent, the question on the minds of NFL teams and Bears fans alike is: Can the Chicago Bears, as a franchise, withstand the impact that Freeman is making at Notre Dame? As Freeman positions the Irish for a national title, his success could have long-lasting implications on the football world, including how NFL franchises like the Bears operate and build their future.

This article will explore the trajectory of Marcus Freeman’s coaching career, the impact his leadership could have on college football and, by extension, the NFL, particularly the Bears. We will also discuss how the Bears’ current position and organizational decisions might intersect with Freeman’s rise at Notre Dame. Ultimately, the question becomes not just whether the Bears can withstand Freeman’s influence but also how they can adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of football and what it means for their future.

Marcus Freeman: The Rise of a Modern College Football Head Coach

Marcus Freeman’s rise to head coach at Notre Dame has been nothing short of meteoric. After serving as the Fighting Irish’s defensive coordinator in 2020, Freeman’s leadership qualities and impressive coaching ability quickly caught the attention of Notre Dame’s administration. His success in turning around a defense that had struggled in the years prior, coupled with his ability to recruit top-tier talent, made him a natural successor to former head coach Brian Kelly, who left for LSU in 2021.

Freeman’s impact on Notre Dame’s football program has been immediate. In his first full season as head coach (2022), Freeman led the Irish to a 9-4 record, including a statement victory over the top-ranked Clemson Tigers. The win was a testament to Freeman’s tactical prowess and his ability to inspire his players to perform in high-pressure situations. His leadership has brought new life to the program, and Notre Dame has positioned itself as a perennial contender for the College Football Playoff (CFP).

In 2025, Freeman has not only continued his success at Notre Dame but has taken the program to the brink of a national championship. His ability to develop young players, recruit elite talent, and cultivate a winning culture has made Notre Dame a force to be reckoned with. Players like quarterback Sam Hartman, running back Audric Estime, and linebacker JD Bertrand have flourished under Freeman’s guidance, and the Irish are now on the verge of playing for the ultimate prize in college football.

Freeman’s emphasis on toughness, discipline, and high-level execution has given Notre Dame a reputation for being a team that competes with anyone, regardless of the opponent’s pedigree. As Freeman continues to lead Notre Dame to the top of college football, NFL franchises are beginning to take notice of his leadership style and his ability to build programs from the ground up. The Chicago Bears, with their storied history and organizational ambition, may soon find themselves facing a challenge from Freeman’s Notre Dame squad.

The Chicago Bears: A Franchise in Transition

The Chicago Bears are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history. However, in recent years, the Bears have struggled to find sustained success. Despite a rich history that includes numerous championship wins, the Bears have faced challenges in finding consistent leadership at the quarterback position and building a team that can contend for championships on an annual basis.

In the 2020s, the Bears embarked on a rebuild, with general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus taking charge of the organization. While the Bears have a promising young quarterback in Justin Fields, they have yet to truly put together the pieces to build a championship-contending roster. Fields’ development, combined with the Bears’ focus on improving their offensive line and defensive unit, will determine the team’s future. However, the franchise has not been able to break through to the upper echelon of the NFL, and many of the issues that have plagued them in the past still remain.

In this context, Marcus Freeman’s rise at Notre Dame could be an interesting point of reflection for the Bears. As Freeman prepares Notre Dame for a national championship, NFL organizations are taking note of his coaching success and the way he has built a program into a contender. Could Freeman, with his eye for talent and his ability to develop young players, eventually make the jump to the NFL? If so, would he pose a threat to the Bears’ future success?

While the idea of Freeman coaching in the NFL is still speculative, the impact of his work at Notre Dame can already be seen. As the Bears rebuild, they may look to Freeman’s approach for inspiration. Freeman’s ability to develop a championship-caliber defense, his emphasis on culture, and his eye for talent could all serve as a blueprint for the Bears to build their own path toward sustained success.

The Impact of Marcus Freeman’s Success on the NFL

Marcus Freeman’s success at Notre Dame has the potential to influence the broader football landscape, including the NFL. The connection between college football and the NFL has always been strong, with many college coaches making the jump to the professional ranks. Freeman, with his rapid rise and innovative approach, could be one of the next coaches to make that transition.

The success of coaches like Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, and Matt LaFleur in the NFL has demonstrated that young, innovative coaches with a fresh perspective can bring immediate success to their teams. Freeman, much like these coaches, is known for his ability to connect with players and his modern approach to coaching. His emphasis on discipline, high-level execution, and adaptability makes him an appealing figure in the NFL coaching pool.

If Freeman were to eventually make the leap to the NFL, the Bears—along with other teams—could find themselves competing for his services. With a team in need of leadership and direction, the Bears could be one of the franchises to target Freeman if they seek a new direction. Freeman’s experience in building a team at Notre Dame, combined with his ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of college football, would make him a valuable asset to any NFL organization.

In the context of the Bears, Freeman’s success at Notre Dame may serve as a reminder of what is possible with the right leadership and vision. If Freeman continues his upward trajectory, the Bears might have to contend with his influence not just in recruiting but also in finding the right players to execute his systems. As Freeman’s reputation grows, it is possible that his success in the college game could have ripple effects that extend into the NFL, challenging teams like the Bears to rethink their approach to coaching and player development.

Can the Chicago Bears Withstand Marcus Freeman’s Influence?

The Bears have the resources, tradition, and infrastructure to be successful, but they are currently in the midst of a rebuilding process. While they may not be on the same immediate trajectory as Freeman’s Notre Dame team, they can learn from his approach and adapt their strategies accordingly. The biggest question for the Bears is not whether they can withstand Marcus Freeman’s rise but rather how they can take inspiration from his success to improve their own fortunes.

The Bears, led by head coach Matt Eberflus, have made strides on defense and are focused on developing Justin Fields into a franchise quarterback. However, the Bears’ offense has been inconsistent, and the team is still looking for its identity in a competitive NFC North. As Freeman continues to mold Notre Dame into a powerhouse, the Bears must find their own path to success, taking note of Freeman’s emphasis on culture, discipline, and youth development.

In terms of direct competition, the Bears may not face Freeman’s Notre Dame team on the field anytime soon. However, the Bears’ position in the NFC North and their rebuilding trajectory puts them in direct competition with NFL teams that could eventually be influenced by Freeman’s success at the collegiate level. If Freeman does indeed make the leap to the NFL, the Bears could find themselves up against him in a variety of ways—from direct competition with his teams to the philosophical approach he brings to the game.