Marcus Freeman Opens Up on Leadership, Adversity & Future of Notre Dame Football

Next Up with Adam Breneman

Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman joins Adam Breneman for a raw and insightful conversation about his journey to leading one of college football’s most storied programs.

He shares what it was like stepping into the role, the whirlwind 72 hours that changed his life, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Freeman opens up about the challenges of being a head coach, the adversity he faced in his playing career, and how those experiences shaped his leadership style. He also dives into NIL, recruiting, and what it will take for Notre Dame to win a national championship.

This episode is packed with wisdom, behind-the-scenes stories, and powerful leadership insights from one of the most respected coaches in the game.

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CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Intro

2:53 - Getting the job and the viral video addressing the team

4:19 - Process of getting the job

6:37 - Advice to himself after a few years on the job

7:24 - Biggest surprise as being a head coach

9:00 - Overcoming adversity in playing career

12:43 - Preparing to be a HC during time as an assistant coach

14:03 - What he looks for in a young coach

15:14 - Being a position coach vs. head coach

16:45 - Loss to NIU

20:00 - Knowing the team is bouncing back

21:26 - Changing as HC from year 1 to now

23:00 - Having a great relationship with players

24:24 - Marcus on his son Vinny

26:26 - Balancing history at ND and it being “Marcus Freeman’s program”

28:08 Best decision of Freeman’s life

29:59 - What gives Freeman the most energy every day

31:14 - Daily routine

32:14 - NIL recruiting and roster construction

33:53 - What needs to happen for ND to win a national championship

35:11 - Best advice Freeman has ever received

On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans.

Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports.

Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.