Breaking News: Finebaum Show Gives Major Props to Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman
In a surprising yet well-deserved segment on his show today, renowned ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum showered Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman with high praise for his leadership and success in turning the Fighting Irish football program around. Freeman, who took over as head coach in 2022, has been widely credited for rejuvenating the storied program with a fresh approach to recruiting, culture, and game management.
Finebaum, known for his often critical stance on college football coaches, took a moment during his broadcast to commend Freeman for his impressive handling of high-pressure situations and his ability to elevate the team in his short tenure. “Marcus Freeman is doing something special in South Bend,” Finebaum said. “He came into an already high-profile program and immediately commanded respect. His ability to connect with his players and make them believe in themselves is exactly what Notre Dame needed.”
Freeman’s tenure began with a challenging start, including a tough loss in the 2022 season opener. However, he quickly regained the trust of his players, leading them to an impressive bowl game victory. Fast forward to 2023, and Freeman has continued to build a strong team that is competitive on a national level, with his recruiting efforts already showing promising results.
Finebaum’s praise did not stop at Freeman’s on-field success. He also lauded Freeman for handling the off-field challenges with grace, particularly in the ever-changing landscape of college football. “He’s shown maturity well beyond his years, not just as a coach but as a leader who understands the complexities of the modern game.”
As Notre Dame looks ahead to the 2025 season, the spotlight continues to shine on Marcus Freeman. With his steady leadership, he has certainly earned the admiration of not just fans, but analysts like Finebaum, who sees him as one of the rising stars in college football coaching.

