Reactions: Marcus Freeman to replace Brian Kelly as Notre Dame head coach, per reports
With Notre Dame working on a deal to promote defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman to head coach - according to multiple reports Wednesday night, including one from The Associated Press - the former Cincinnati Bearcats defensive coordinator and assistant potentially could replace Brian Kelly after just one season with the Fighting Irish.
Freeman, 35, worked as a coordinator and linebackers coach under UC head coach Luke Fickell from 2017 to 2020.
Kelly texted players earlier this week that his love for them is limitless and was introduced Wednesday as the new head coach of the LSU Tigers.
Social media reactions:
What a remarkable rise for Freeman, who was Fickell’s DC at Cincinnati just last year. https://t.co/p0mOQKaGdk
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) December 2, 2021
Less than a year ago, Marcus Freeman wowed folks at LSU when he interviewed for the Tigers DC job. He opted to go to Notre Dame. Man, that was a shrewd move on his part as now he's about to have one of the biggest coaching jobs in football. https://t.co/LDhLiHSgck
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 2, 2021
Last college assistant coach elevated at ND was Bob Davie.
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) December 2, 2021
Notre Dame will be led by 35 year old Marcus Freeman who’ll have a 29 year old offensive coordinator in Tommy Rees. Players fired up. New era, new vibe in South Bend.
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) December 2, 2021
I'm not 100% positive but I believe Marcus Freeman is the first big-time head coach with a profile in the Rivals database. pic.twitter.com/OgnPXwca13
— Matt Hinton (@MattRHinton) December 2, 2021
My gut says @NDFootball makes the right choice & hires MARCUS FREEMAN / TOMMY REES is staying as offensive coordinator. A terrific young Dynamite Duo ! Here come the Irish Baby ! I need to think hoops have UNC vs UM in 25 min. Y am I thinking ND football ?
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) December 2, 2021
Never been a bigger fan of Notre Dame football in my life.
Let the MARCUS FREEMAN era begin!— jordan cornette (@jordancornette) December 2, 2021
Getting some texts about Marcus Freeman’s age (35) as a potential concern for #NotreDame.
Dabo Swinney was 39 when promoted Clemson.
Lincoln Riley was 33 when promoted at Oklahoma.
Ryan Day was 39 when promoted at Ohio State.
If Freeman is the right guy, age won’t matter.— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 2, 2021
Update here: Sources told Yahoo Sports that the process to formally get an offer together for Marcus Freeman will unfold the next 72 hours. A job offer to make Freeman the next coach is expected to follow that process. https://t.co/jMeiLI3cus
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 2, 2021
Great day to be a Fighting Irish Alum and former assistant coach. God’s plan is always the best plan. Congrats to the new HC @Marcus_Freeman1 God luck coach I am praying for you, your family, those coaches, and team. Job well done AD Jack Swarbrick.
— autry denson (@autrydenson) December 2, 2021
Notre Dame opens its 2022 college football season at Ohio State, where Freeman played as a linebacker from 2004 to 2008.
Former UC assistant Mike Elston, Notre Dame's defensive line coach, is expected to remain in South Bend as part of Freeman's coaching staff:
Notre Dame is home!! 12 years and counting!! Let’s ride fellas!!
☘️☘️☘️☘️ pic.twitter.com/pdIMsTCqh7— Mike Elston (@CoachMikeElston) December 2, 2021
LOVE SPORTS? [ Subscribe now for unlimited access to Cincinnati.com ]
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Report: Marcus Freeman to replace Brian Kelly as Notre Dame head coach