Colin Cowherd believes Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame is a good fit for the Bears and likens him to the current Super Bowl-winning coach.

In the ever-competitive world of the NFL, the search for an ideal head coach is often one of the most critical decisions an organization can make. The right coach can turn a team’s fortunes around, breathe new life into struggling franchises, and, ultimately, lead a team to the Super Bowl. The Chicago Bears, one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, are no strangers to coaching changes. Over the last several years, the team has gone through multiple head coaches in an attempt to find the right leadership that could guide the franchise back to prominence.

With the Bears in the midst of a rebuilding phase, the quest to find a coach capable of leading them to championship glory has become a focal point. Enter Marcus Freeman, the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Freeman has quickly made a name for himself as one of the rising stars in the coaching world, thanks to his leadership, defensive acumen, and ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent. In fact, Colin Cowherd, the outspoken Fox Sports personality, believes that Freeman could be the perfect fit for the Bears and has gone as far as to compare him to Sean McVay, the current Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Los Angeles Rams.

In this article, we will explore why Cowherd sees Freeman as a good fit for the Bears, the comparison to McVay, and what Freeman’s potential impact could be on the franchise’s future.

Marcus Freeman: The Rising Star in College Football

Before diving into the specifics of why Freeman could be a good fit for the Chicago Bears, it’s important to understand who Marcus Freeman is and why he has captured the attention of NFL analysts, fans, and front offices alike.

Marcus Freeman’s coaching career began in earnest after he completed a standout college football career as a linebacker at Ohio State. Freeman transitioned into coaching, and his defensive acumen was immediately apparent. He worked as a graduate assistant before rising through the ranks as an assistant coach at multiple stops, including Purdue and Cincinnati. His success as the Cincinnati Bearcats’ defensive coordinator helped him land the prestigious role of defensive coordinator at Notre Dame in 2021.

Freeman’s impact was immediate. Under his leadership, Notre Dame’s defense became one of the most formidable units in college football. Freeman’s ability to develop players and craft defensive schemes that stymied some of the best offenses in the nation earned him widespread acclaim. His reputation for discipline, high-level execution, and an ability to adapt his schemes to personnel made him a rising star in the coaching world.

When Brian Kelly left Notre Dame to take the job at LSU in 2021, Freeman was promoted to head coach, much earlier in his career than many expected. Despite only having one season as the defensive coordinator, Freeman’s leadership and vision for the program stood out, and he led the Irish to a solid 9-4 record in his first full season as head coach. Freeman’s emphasis on a balanced approach—focusing on strong defense, effective special teams, and a disciplined, efficient offense—has resonated with both fans and analysts.

As Freeman has shown continued success in recruiting and coaching, his reputation as a leader and tactician has only grown. By 2025, Notre Dame has become a true national title contender under Freeman’s guidance. His ability to relate to players, adapt to modern football, and inspire his team has made him one of the most sought-after names in coaching.

Colin Cowherd’s Belief in Marcus Freeman’s Fit with the Bears

Colin Cowherd has long been a vocal commentator on the NFL, offering sharp analysis and insights on teams, players, and coaching changes. Cowherd is never one to shy away from bold predictions, and his belief in Marcus Freeman as a fit for the Chicago Bears is one such bold statement. Cowherd’s endorsement of Freeman stems from his admiration for the young coach’s style, leadership abilities, and overall potential as a future NFL head coach.

Cowherd points to Freeman’s ability to connect with players as one of his most significant assets. Freeman is known for being personable, relatable, and a highly effective communicator. His leadership style blends a deep knowledge of the game with a genuine understanding of how to inspire and motivate players. For a Bears team that has seen coaching turnover and a lack of consistency in recent years, Cowherd sees Freeman’s approach as one that could resonate in Chicago’s locker room, helping to build a strong, unified culture.

In addition to Freeman’s leadership qualities, Cowherd is also impressed by his adaptability and his understanding of modern football. Freeman has shown a deep knowledge of both offense and defense, ensuring that his teams are competitive on both sides of the ball. His ability to adjust to changing circumstances—whether through scheme or personnel—has been a key factor in his success at Notre Dame. In today’s NFL, where the game is constantly evolving, Cowherd believes Freeman has the type of football IQ and adaptability that would make him a strong fit in the professional ranks.

Another reason why Cowherd sees Freeman as an ideal candidate for the Bears is his emphasis on developing talent. Freeman has been able to recruit and develop some of the best players in college football, particularly on defense. As the Bears continue to build around young talent like Justin Fields and develop their roster, Cowherd believes Freeman’s expertise in player development would be invaluable.

The Comparison to Sean McVay: A Bold but Reasonable Parallel

One of the most intriguing aspects of Cowherd’s endorsement of Freeman is his comparison of Freeman to Sean McVay, the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams. McVay is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s most innovative and successful young coaches. His offensive genius, leadership style, and ability to relate to players have made him one of the most respected figures in the NFL. Under McVay, the Rams won Super Bowl LVI and consistently field one of the league’s most potent offenses.

Cowherd sees similarities between Freeman and McVay, particularly in terms of their leadership qualities, coaching style, and ability to relate to players. Here’s a closer look at the comparison:

1. Youthful Energy and Modern Approach

Both McVay and Freeman are young, energetic coaches who bring a fresh, modern approach to the game. McVay revolutionized the NFL’s offensive approach, bringing in innovative schemes that prioritize speed, motion, and mismatches. Freeman, while a defensive coach, shares McVay’s ability to think outside the box and adapt to modern football’s changing landscape.

Freeman’s youth and energy allow him to connect with players, particularly in an era where today’s players are often more attuned to modern trends in coaching and leadership. McVay’s success came partly from his ability to adapt to the changing NFL landscape, and Cowherd believes Freeman could do the same with the Bears. The NFL’s offensive evolution—emphasizing a dynamic passing game and creative schemes—is something Freeman could embrace, much like McVay did with the Rams.

2. Leadership and Player Development

McVay’s ability to develop relationships with players is one of the primary reasons for his success, and Cowherd believes Freeman shares this trait. McVay has been praised for his ability to build strong relationships with his players, motivating them to perform at their best. Freeman, in turn, has been recognized for his ability to inspire his players and create a culture of accountability and success at Notre Dame.

For the Bears, a team with several young players, including Justin Fields, Freeman’s leadership and ability to nurture talent would be a major asset. Just as McVay helped mold Jared Goff into a capable quarterback and later Matthew Stafford into a Super Bowl champion, Freeman could help Fields develop into a franchise quarterback capable of leading the Bears back to relevance.

3. Tactical Flexibility

While McVay is known for his offensive brilliance, Freeman’s defensive expertise allows him to have a more balanced understanding of football. This blend of offense and defense is essential in today’s NFL, where teams need to be versatile and capable of adjusting to various challenges. Freeman has already shown that he can adapt his defensive schemes to face the most potent offenses in college football, and his understanding of offensive schemes would make him a well-rounded coach capable of handling all aspects of an NFL team.

McVay’s ability to adjust his offensive scheme based on his personnel has been a key part of his success. Freeman, similarly, has demonstrated that he can adapt his defensive schemes to different players, ensuring that his teams are well-prepared to compete at the highest levels. This adaptability would be a crucial asset for the Bears, a team still figuring out its identity and trying to build around its young quarterback.

Why the Bears Should Consider Marcus Freeman

For the Chicago Bears, hiring Marcus Freeman would be a bold but potentially rewarding decision. The franchise has been searching for the right leader to help develop a young team and put them back on the path to greatness. Freeman’s blend of leadership, tactical flexibility, and ability to relate to players makes him a strong candidate to lead the Bears into the future.

The comparison to Sean McVay is a lofty one, but it is not without merit. Both Freeman and McVay possess similar qualities in terms of leadership, adaptability, and player development. Freeman’s ability to bring energy, discipline, and success to Notre Dame’s program could translate well to the NFL, and if he can develop a strong rapport with his players, he could be the one to guide the Bears back to relevance.

While there are questions surrounding Freeman’s potential transition to the NFL, especially given his relatively brief head coaching experience, his trajectory as a coach and his success at Notre Dame have positioned him as one of the top young coaching talents in the country. The Bears, who are looking for long-term stability and success, would be wise to consider Freeman as part of their future.