Despite finishing 10-2, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish had a disappointing season, missing the College Football Playoff bracket. That sparked plenty of debate over whether they deserved a spot over teams that were on the other side of massive blowouts in various CFP games.
It also prompted Notre Dame to decline to participate in any college bowl games, effectively ending their season. Along with that, rumors began swirling about Marcus Freeman, whether he’d remain the head coach of the Fighting Irish or possibly take an NFL job.
That speculation ended this past week with a news conference in which Freeman revealed he intended to return as Notre Dame’s head coach next season. Additionally, news arrived on Friday about an upcoming role he has at the championship game.
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His relationship with college football hasn’t completely soured after the perceived CFP snub, as Notre Dame and ESPN indicated he’ll be a part of ESPN’s coverage of the CFP National Championship Game.
On Friday, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish X page shared a message from ESPN’s “College GameDay” announcing that Freeman will serve as a guest analyst during their national championship coverage.
ESPN’s “College GameDay” crew features Pat McAfee along with legendary college coach Nick Saban, Heisman winner Desmond Howard, and Kirk Herbstreit.
It’s unclear from the post whether Freeman will offer predictions on GameDay, respond to questions about the CFP and his future, or talk college football and share his thoughts on the two teamsplaying in the matchup. However, based on previous guest coaches, it wouldn’t be surprising if he fielded a question or two about other matters.
During his Notre Dame press conference several days ago, a question arose about his name linked to potential NFL jobs, and Freeman shut the door on that speculation for the foreseeable future.
“Head coach at Notre Dame,” Freeman reiterated about his focus, adding that all the rumors and “noise” about topics like jobs were “reflections of team success.”
“I don’t control the noise…I know the noise that’s inside my head and where the focus is,” he told reporters.
His Notre Dame Fighting Irish team appeared in the championship game last year, losing to the champion Ohio State Buckeyes.
Many fans felt this year’s Irish team had a strong chance of returning to the big game and competing for the title again, but they were left on the outside looking in. Arguments erupted over the SEC’s Alabama, Miami, and other teams getting a spot over the Irish.
However, the 10-2 Hurricanes defeated Notre Dame in the regular season, earned a spot in the bracket, and are now competing for the championship against the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers.
Viewers will hear Freeman’s thoughts on the massive matchup and more when ESPN’s “College GameDay” airs on Monday, Jan. 19, with the championship game.
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