Marcus Freeman outlines Notre Dame’s path to a national championship
Marcus Freeman, the head coach of Notre Dame football, has had a significant impact on the program since taking over the role in 2022. With a firm understanding of the tradition, culture, and challenges that come with leading a program like Notre Dame, Freeman has made it clear that his vision is one of sustained excellence, national championship contention, and development both on and off the field. As he looks to lead the Fighting Irish back to the top of college football, Freeman has outlined a comprehensive and clear path toward achieving Notre Dame’s ultimate goal: winning a national championship.
In this article, we will delve into the strategic elements that Marcus Freeman has laid out for Notre Dame to make a legitimate push for a national title. From recruitment to player development, scheduling, culture-building, and beyond, Freeman has shown a deep understanding of the complexities involved in turning Notre Dame into a championship-caliber team. By examining Freeman’s approach to coaching and leadership, we can better understand how he plans to bring Notre Dame back to national prominence.
1. Building a Championship-Caliber Roster
One of the most critical steps in Freeman’s path to a national championship is building a championship-caliber roster. Recruiting top talent is a crucial component of any successful football program, and Freeman has made it clear that Notre Dame’s recruiting efforts will focus on acquiring players who not only fit the system but are capable of making an immediate impact at the highest level.
A. Recruiting at an Elite Level
Freeman understands that Notre Dame’s reputation for academic excellence and its unique position as a private Catholic university present challenges in recruiting, especially in an age where NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals play a significant role in recruitment. However, Freeman has consistently emphasized that Notre Dame’s value extends beyond just the financial opportunities—it’s about the holistic development of student-athletes, combining top-tier football with a world-class education. This approach has resonated with many high school recruits, and Freeman has worked tirelessly to build strong relationships with recruits and their families.
Freeman’s recruiting philosophy focuses not only on talent but also on character, leadership, and a strong sense of commitment to the program. Under his leadership, Notre Dame has continued to land elite players, particularly on defense, a position group that has long been a strength for the Fighting Irish. With players like five-star linebacker Drayk Bowen and five-star running back Jeremiyah Love in the fold, Freeman is building a team that has the talent to compete for national titles.
B. Depth and Positional Balance
A key component of Freeman’s vision is building depth across all positions. In order to compete with the elite programs in college football, Notre Dame needs depth at every position group, particularly in the trenches. Freeman has worked to improve the team’s offensive and defensive lines, recognizing that games are won in the trenches. The Fighting Irish have invested heavily in these positions and now have one of the more formidable offensive lines in the country.
On defense, Freeman has prioritized building a relentless, fast, and physical unit. With top recruits, as well as experienced veterans like linebacker JD Bertrand and defensive linemen like Isaiah Foskey, Freeman has emphasized developing a defense that can both stop the run and pressure the quarterback. The balance between high-end talent and depth at key positions is fundamental for sustaining success and ultimately winning a national championship.
2. Player Development and Coaching Excellence
Freeman has always been a coach who values development. While recruiting elite talent is essential, he knows that a championship-caliber team is built on development—both on the field and in the weight room. Under Freeman’s leadership, player development has become a priority, and his approach to coaching excellence has been a central theme in the program’s strategy.
A. Strength and Conditioning
Notre Dame’s strength and conditioning program is integral to Freeman’s plan for success. Freeman, who was a linebacker during his playing days, understands the importance of strength, speed, and conditioning in winning a national championship. The Irish strength staff, led by director of football performance Matt Balis, works relentlessly to ensure that players are physically ready for the rigors of an entire college football season. The focus is not only on building strength but also on ensuring that players are explosive, fast, and injury-resistant—traits that are essential for competing at the highest level.
B. Coaching Expertise
Freeman’s ability to recruit and develop elite talent is complemented by his staff of talented and experienced coaches. With defensive coordinator Al Golden at the helm of the defense, Freeman has ensured that Notre Dame’s defense remains one of the best in the country. Golden has brought a wealth of experience to the program, having coached in the NFL and at major college programs. His defensive schemes emphasize aggressiveness and smart, disciplined play.
On the offensive side, Freeman has been proactive in ensuring that Notre Dame’s offensive staff has the tools and talent needed to succeed at the highest level. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, a former Notre Dame quarterback, brings a deep understanding of the program’s offensive philosophy and works to develop quarterbacks and offensive playmakers. Rees’ offensive schemes are designed to make the most out of Notre Dame’s diverse talent, focusing on a balanced attack that can both run and pass the ball effectively.
Through an emphasis on detailed coaching and development, Freeman has ensured that Notre Dame’s coaching staff is one of the best in the country. With a strong focus on teaching fundamentals and pushing players to continuously improve, Freeman is cultivating a culture of excellence within his program.
3. Culture and Leadership Development
Creating a winning culture is often as important as developing talent on the field. Freeman’s leadership has been a breath of fresh air for the Notre Dame program, and he is intentional about creating a team-oriented culture focused on discipline, accountability, and trust. To win a national championship, a program must have a strong locker room atmosphere where players are motivated not only by personal success but by a collective commitment to winning.
A. Building Team Chemistry
Freeman has worked to build strong team chemistry from day one, understanding that a championship team must be united both on and off the field. He has made it a priority to connect with his players and build relationships based on trust and mutual respect. Freeman is known for his ability to communicate openly with players, providing them with guidance while also holding them accountable for their actions.
By fostering a sense of brotherhood and camaraderie, Freeman has helped Notre Dame players feel connected to something larger than themselves—something that has often been a hallmark of championship-winning teams. This culture of trust and leadership is crucial to success in college football, particularly when facing the adversity that inevitably comes with a high-profile season.
B. Accountability and Discipline
Freeman has also emphasized the importance of discipline both on and off the field. Discipline in executing assignments, following the game plan, and maintaining mental and physical toughness throughout the season is essential for competing for championships. This accountability is instilled in players through constant communication, a strong work ethic, and a clear understanding of the program’s values.
Notre Dame’s success on the field is rooted in this disciplined approach, where players are held to the highest standards. Freeman has built a program where players understand the stakes and are constantly striving to improve.
4. Scheduling and Playoff Contention
To reach a national championship, a program must perform consistently in a tough schedule. Notre Dame’s independence in scheduling means that it must play a difficult slate of games each year in order to gain the necessary strength of schedule to make the College Football Playoff (CFP). Freeman has expressed that Notre Dame’s schedule is designed to challenge his team while also providing opportunities to showcase the program on a national stage.
A. Challenging Non-Conference Schedule
Notre Dame’s tradition of playing a challenging non-conference schedule has continued under Freeman. Every season, the Irish face top-tier programs from conferences like the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC. In addition to traditional rivals like USC and Stanford, the Irish frequently schedule powerhouse teams such as Ohio State, Clemson, and Georgia. This approach not only prepares the team for the intensity of a national championship chase but also increases their chances of making the CFP.
B. Conference Championship Pathway
While Notre Dame remains independent, Freeman’s vision includes positioning the program to be one of the best in the nation consistently. Playing a tough schedule gives the Irish the necessary resume to compete for a spot in the playoff, regardless of conference affiliation. The success of Notre Dame’s scheduling strategy in recent years has helped them stay in the conversation for the playoff, and Freeman’s ability to continue this trend will be critical to the program’s national title aspirations.
5. Staying Focused on the Process
Finally, Freeman emphasizes that winning a national championship is not something that can be achieved overnight. It requires patience, dedication, and a focus on the process rather than the immediate result. While winning a national title is the ultimate goal, Freeman understands that the journey is just as important. By staying focused on the day-to-day work of improving as a team and sticking to the values that make Notre Dame special, Freeman believes the Irish will be in position to win a national championship in the near future.
