When you’re a top college football program battling with another for a certain coach, the nerves can rise. It certainly looked like Cincinnati defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame’s top choice for the same role, was headed to LSU, according to a report from FootballScoop. Heck, this story was going to be about just that. But that’s all out the window because multiple outlets say sources have good news for Irish fans instead:
Sources: Marcus Freeman expected to be named the next defensive coordinator at Notre Dame. He chose the Irish over LSU.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 8, 2021
SOURCES: Cincinnati DC Marcus Freeman is set to become the new defensive coordinator at #NotreDame. The Bearcats were No. 4 in the country in fewest yards per play allowed; No. 3 in pass effiency D and had the top TD-INT ratio (7-16) in the nation.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 8, 2021
The Irish, of course, are coming off a season in which Clark Lea made the defense as strong as its ever been. But like Lea, several names will not be back, so it will be up to Freeman to get the most out of players who have not gotten the chance to shine yet. At the same time, he’ll have a nice group of returnees, including Kyle Hamilton, Isaiah Foskey, Clarence Lewis, Bo Bauer and Jack Kiser.
Welcome to South Bend, Marcus. You have a tough act to follow, but Brian Kelly obviously has faith in you. Go get ’em.