‘Greatest Job In America’: Notre Dame Coach Marcus Freeman Asked About Pittsburgh Steelers Gig Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman
When Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman was asked about the prospect of taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers gig during an interview, the response was typical of Freeman’s poise and professionalism. He smiled, carefully considered the question, and offered a measured response that reflected both his loyalty to the Fighting Irish and his understanding of the broader scope of football’s impact.
Freeman’s answer was not just a casual dismissal or a platitude—his words revealed a deeper commitment to the program he now leads and the direction he’s charting for Notre Dame’s future. He spoke of the significance of coaching at the collegiate level, the importance of building relationships with young athletes, and how his role at Notre Dame allows him to make a lasting impact on the lives of his players.
“Being a head coach at a place like Notre Dame is a privilege,” Freeman said. “It’s the greatest job in America. We’re developing young men here, not just football players. We’re helping to shape the future, and that’s something that’s hard to put a price on.”
The comment about Notre Dame being the “greatest job in America” quickly became the focal point of the conversation, and for good reason. Notre Dame’s history, culture, and tradition set it apart from most other college football programs. The Fighting Irish have one of the most iconic and respected football programs in the country, filled with rich history and deep-rooted traditions that go back decades.
But for Freeman, the job isn’t just about the prestige or the recognition—it’s about the opportunity to build something lasting. He understands the weight of his responsibility as the head coach of Notre Dame. For many, the position carries an almost mythical significance—it’s a job that goes beyond winning games or recruiting top-tier talent. It’s about upholding a legacy, representing a university with a unique blend of academics and athletics, and building character in young men who will go on to lead both on and off the field.
In Freeman’s mind, the opportunity to coach at Notre Dame is something that few can truly comprehend unless they’ve experienced it firsthand. The university’s commitment to both academics and athletics is unparalleled, and the expectations placed on the coaching staff are immense. At the same time, however, Freeman is deeply grateful for the chance to be a part of such an elite institution.
“I’m honored to be here,” Freeman said. “It’s a job that you never take for granted. It’s not about coaching football; it’s about helping these guys grow, teaching them lessons that will carry them through their lives. That’s the true reward.”
For Freeman, being the head coach at Notre Dame is not simply a stepping stone to a larger NFL career or another college coaching job. It’s about creating a culture, shaping a team that’s built on accountability, hard work, and a shared sense of purpose. Freeman sees the job as a long-term commitment, and while he’s fully aware of the potential to be considered for other opportunities, his focus remains squarely on Notre Dame and its football program.
Freeman’s arrival at Notre Dame marked the beginning of a new era. Taking over for Brian Kelly, Freeman brought a fresh energy and approach to the program. He’s been focused on creating a culture of development, discipline, and mutual respect. His leadership style is one of inclusivity—he aims to create an environment where everyone, from players to coaches to support staff, feels like a valued member of the team.
For Freeman, the idea of building a family atmosphere is central to his coaching philosophy. The relationships he builds with his players are what matter most, and those relationships extend well beyond the football field.
“I want these guys to understand that they’re part of something bigger than themselves,” Freeman explained. “We’re trying to build men of character, integrity, and leadership. It’s not just about football—it’s about becoming better people.”
The culture Freeman is developing at Notre Dame reflects this overarching goal. It’s one where players are held to high standards—not only in their athletic performance but also in their behavior and academic achievement. Freeman emphasizes the importance of creating a balance between success on the field and success in the classroom, and he’s instilled a sense of accountability in his team that echoes throughout every aspect of the program.
While the prospect of coaching in the NFL, particularly for a storied franchise like the Pittsburgh Steelers, is certainly an attractive proposition, Freeman’s response made it clear that his heart is in South Bend. The Steelers job is one that many would consider a dream role, given the franchise’s history, success, and loyal fanbase. However, for Freeman, it’s about aligning his professional ambitions with the mission and vision he’s set at Notre Dame.
“The NFL is a great league, and there’s a lot of incredible opportunities in professional football,” Freeman said. “But for me, right now, I’m focused on what we’re building here at Notre Dame. This program has a rich history, and my role is to help continue that legacy. That’s what excites me.”
Freeman’s perspective on the potential NFL opportunity is rooted in his love for the college game. In his eyes, coaching young athletes and being involved in their personal development is what truly drives him. The opportunity to shape not just football players, but young men who will go on to be leaders in various aspects of society, is something that resonates deeply with him.
“There’s something special about college football,” Freeman remarked. “It’s the opportunity to be part of someone’s life at a crucial time. You’re helping them transition from young adults into men. The NFL doesn’t have that same dynamic. While the competition at that level is incredible, it’s different.”
While Freeman’s answer reflected his current satisfaction with his role at Notre Dame, it’s not as if he’s closed the door entirely on a future in the NFL. He’s realistic about the nature of coaching, knowing that opportunities can arise at any time. However, he made it clear that his commitment to Notre Dame remains steadfast, and he is focused on making the Fighting Irish a national contender year in and year out.
“Right now, I’m not looking past what we’re doing here,” Freeman said. “There’s a lot of work to do, and that’s where my focus is. I’m excited about what we can accomplish as a team, and that’s what I’m all in on.”
While Freeman is deeply invested in the current Notre Dame program, he’s also keenly aware of the changing landscape of college football. With the growing influence of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, the increasing importance of the transfer portal, and shifting conference alignments, Freeman’s role as head coach has evolved significantly since he took over in 2021.
However, Freeman is embracing these changes rather than shying away from them. His progressive mindset is one of the reasons why he’s been so successful in his short time at Notre Dame. He’s not stuck in the past but instead is looking for innovative ways to keep the program competitive on the national stage. This forward-thinking approach aligns with his desire to develop his players in every facet of their lives, including their opportunities off the field.
“I think college football is evolving, and we need to adapt to those changes,” Freeman said. “But the core values of our program will always remain the same. We want to build a strong foundation of leadership, character, and accountability. That’s the foundation of everything we do here.”
Given Freeman’s clear commitment to his current position and his dedication to building Notre Dame into a perennial powerhouse, it’s clear that his future is tied to the Fighting Irish. His coaching career at the highest level may very well take him to places beyond Notre Dame, but for now, Freeman is focused on laying the groundwork for sustained success in South Bend.
The job he holds is one of the most prestigious in college football, and Freeman knows the weight of history that comes with leading Notre Dame. But he also understands that his impact will be determined not just by the number of wins and losses, but by the players he develops and the culture he builds.
“It’s about the legacy we’re creating here,” Freeman said. “It’s about making sure we leave this program better than we found it and helping these young men become the best versions of themselves, both on and off the field.”
In many ways, Freeman’s answer to the question about the Pittsburgh Steelers job was a reflection of his maturity as a coach, his deep understanding of the unique role he plays at Notre Dame, and his passion for shaping the next generation of football players. Whether or not he one day leaves the college ranks for the NFL remains to be seen. But for now, Marcus Freeman’s heart and mind are firmly planted in South Bend, where he’s already building a legacy that could one day be talked about in the same breath as Notre Dame’s greatest coaches.
For Freeman, the future is bright—and it’s firmly focused on the job he holds today, which he believes is “the greatest job in America.”
