Head Coach Marcus Freeman today on Good Morning America!!! Just like a GREAT LEADER – he talks about others, lifting up his team and the strength of the unit as one.
On a bright and exciting morning, Head Coach Marcus Freeman appeared on Good Morning America today, offering a powerful glimpse into his philosophy of leadership, team cohesion, and the culture he’s building at the University of Notre Dame. Known for his calm demeanor, sharp intellect, and unwavering commitment to developing both players and individuals, Freeman used his appearance on one of the nation’s most-watched morning shows to share insights into what has made him such a respected figure in college football.
Since taking over as head coach at Notre Dame, Freeman has established himself as one of the brightest young minds in the game. His approach to leadership, however, is anything but conventional. Freeman’s emphasis on team unity, individual empowerment, and fostering a culture of accountability has made him a beloved figure both on campus and beyond. On Good Morning America, Freeman spoke passionately about how his leadership style is rooted not in self-promotion, but in lifting others up. “It’s all about the team,” Freeman said. “When you build something great, it’s because you’ve got an entire unit that works together, that lifts each other up, and supports each other. Everyone has a role, and it’s my job to make sure they understand that their contributions are valued.”
The conversation was refreshingly authentic, as Freeman, often seen as a stoic figure on the sidelines, shared his personal philosophy on leadership and what it means to be a coach in today’s world. “As a leader, you’re responsible for creating an environment where everyone can thrive,” he explained. “When you create that environment, the results speak for themselves.”
Freeman’s journey to becoming the head coach of Notre Dame is one marked by determination, grit, and a deep passion for the game. After a successful playing career, Freeman transitioned into coaching with an energy and commitment to excellence that quickly gained attention. His rise through the ranks was a natural progression, eventually leading him to the prestigious head coaching position at Notre Dame, a job that not only represents a major career achievement but also a unique opportunity to shape the future of one of college football’s most storied programs.
As Freeman shared his thoughts on leadership, it became clear that he doesn’t view his position solely as that of a coach, but as a mentor, role model, and, most importantly, a servant leader. “You don’t lead by being the loudest voice in the room or by taking all the credit,” Freeman explained. “You lead by helping others realize their potential, by setting them up for success, and by making sure they know that their role matters, no matter how big or small.”
His focus on others is central to Freeman’s coaching philosophy. Throughout his tenure at Notre Dame, Freeman has emphasized the importance of making his players feel valued and supported, whether they are starting on game day or working hard behind the scenes. This approach, which is grounded in respect and trust, has paid off in the form of an incredibly tight-knit football team that values each other as much as they value the game itself.
Freeman’s leadership style is built around empowering his players to grow both on and off the field. “It’s about creating strong relationships, building trust, and understanding that every individual brings something unique to the table,” he said. “As a coach, my job is to help each player tap into their own strengths and push them to be the best version of themselves. The result is a stronger team that plays together, wins together, and faces challenges together.”
Throughout the Good Morning America segment, Freeman stressed the importance of character and integrity in building a winning program. “Winning is important, but it’s not everything,” Freeman said. “What we’re building here at Notre Dame is a culture of excellence that extends beyond football. We want to develop our student-athletes into strong, responsible leaders who can succeed in life, whether they’re on the field or off.”
This holistic approach to coaching and leadership is something Freeman is deeply committed to. His players don’t just leave Notre Dame as better football players—they leave as better men. “The game will eventually end for everyone,” Freeman noted. “But the lessons you learn here, the relationships you build, and the character you develop are what will stay with you for the rest of your life. We want to help our guys prepare for whatever comes next, whether that’s in football, business, or any other field.”
One of Freeman’s most impactful qualities is his ability to inspire others to believe in the collective strength of the team. His leadership doesn’t come from flashy speeches or dramatic displays of dominance. Instead, it comes from his ability to connect with his players and make them feel like they are all part of something larger than themselves. “When you’re part of something bigger than you, you find motivation in helping others succeed,” Freeman explained. “That’s the mindset I try to instill in our players: that each person’s success is the team’s success, and the team’s success is their success.”
Freeman’s unique approach is grounded in his belief that football, like life, is about more than just winning. While he acknowledged that championships and bowl games are crucial, he made it clear that his true goal is to develop individuals who will be successful in all areas of life. “It’s about teaching our guys how to deal with adversity, how to work together, and how to treat others with respect,” Freeman said. “Those are the traits that will carry them through not just their football careers, but their entire lives.”
When asked about his leadership role on the team, Freeman was quick to point out that leadership is not just his responsibility—it’s shared by every player. “One of the things I’m most proud of is the leadership we have on this team,” he said. “It’s not just about the head coach leading—it’s about the players taking ownership of the culture and the standards we set. It’s about having guys who hold each other accountable, who push each other to be better, and who support each other in every aspect of their lives.”
That philosophy of shared leadership is evident in the way Freeman runs his program. Notre Dame’s football team is built on the idea that leadership comes from within. This creates an atmosphere where players feel empowered to take charge of their own success, but they also know that their success is intertwined with that of their teammates. As Freeman pointed out, “When you take ownership of your role within the team, that’s when the magic happens. Everyone pulls in the same direction, and that’s how you build something special.”
Throughout the segment, Freeman also touched on the importance of maintaining balance. While football demands immense physical and mental focus, Freeman understands the importance of maintaining a balanced life, especially for his student-athletes. He emphasized the importance of academic success, personal development, and mental health, noting that a strong, well-rounded individual is more likely to succeed in all areas of life. “We’re not just developing football players,” Freeman said. “We’re developing leaders who can handle all the challenges life throws at them.”
In speaking about the strength of his team as one cohesive unit, Freeman explained that team success is built on relationships that extend beyond the field. “You don’t win games by simply having talented players,” he said. “You win games when those players trust each other, support each other, and are willing to put the team first. It’s not about ‘me’—it’s about ‘we.’”
Freeman’s message on Good Morning America resonated not just with football fans, but with anyone who values the principles of leadership, teamwork, and personal development. His ability to speak authentically about the role of a coach in shaping young men into responsible, driven individuals speaks volumes about his character as both a coach and a leader. It’s clear that Freeman is not just focused on building a successful football program at Notre Dame, but on creating a lasting legacy that will have an impact far beyond the field.
As the conversation wrapped up, Freeman left the audience with a powerful message: “At the end of the day, we all have a role to play. Whether we’re the head coach, the quarterback, or the person working behind the scenes, we’re all in this together. That’s the strength of the team. That’s what makes us stronger.” Freeman’s words served as a reminder that true leadership isn’t about accolades or individual glory, but about uplifting others, working together, and building something greater than oneself.
It’s no surprise that Freeman’s leadership style has garnered admiration from across the college football landscape. His focus on the collective strength of the unit, his commitment to developing well-rounded individuals, and his belief in the power of teamwork make him one of the most exciting and respected figures in the sport today. His tenure at Notre Dame is still in its early stages, but if his philosophy continues to guide the program, the future of Notre Dame football looks incredibly bright.
For Freeman, the work is far from over. With the 2025 season on the horizon, he knows that the journey to greatness is paved with hard work, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the power of a unified team. It’s clear that Freeman will continue to lead by example, helping his players grow into not just champions on the field, but leaders in life.
