How old is Marcus Freeman? Notre Dame football coach’s age, record, stats and more

Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman‘s ride to the College Football Playoff has been intriguing.

At one point during the 2024 college football season, it did not appear the Fighting Irish would be playing in any CFP game, let alone Thursday’s CFP semifinal against Penn State in the Orange Bowl at 7:30 p.m. Freeman and the Fighting Irish lost 16-14 to Northern Illinois in Week 2 on Sept. 7, and it looked like the third-year coach would not survive much longer in South Bend.

However, Notre Dame has won 12 straight games for a school-record 13 wins, and it needs just one more to make its first national title game appearance since 2013. Notre Dame’s last championship came in 1988, well before the playoff era.

REQUIRED READING:What are most memorable Notre Dame football wins over Penn State? Here are five

Freeman’s coaching has been a significant reason for the Fighting Irish’s rebound and success since their loss to NIU. On Dec. 15, Freeman agreed to a contract extension with Notre Dame, and one of the best young college football coaches is poised to stay in South Bend for an extended period. 

Here’s what you need to know about Freeman’s age:

Marcus Freeman age

Freeman was born on Jan. 10, 1986, making him 38. This season, he was the fifth-youngest coach in the FBS, trailing only Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham (34), Oregon coach Dan Lanning (38), Michigan coach Sherrone Moore (38) and (now former) Purdue coach Ryan Walters (38).

Marcus Freeman coaching record

Notre Dame is Freeman’s first stop as a head coach. After his playing career ended, he served as a graduate assistant for his alma mater, Ohio State, in 2010. He then coached the linebackers at Kent State (2011-12) and Purdue (2013-15) before being promoted to co-defensive coordinator for the Boilermakers in 2016.

Freeman then served as the defensive coordinator at Cincinnati (2017-20) and Notre Dame (2021) before being promoted to head coach for the Fighting Irish after Brian Kelly left to become head coach of LSU. Freeman was hired as Notre Dame head coach on Dec. 3, 2021.

Here’s a look at Freeman’s record as a coach:

  • 2021 (Notre Dame): 0-1
  • 2022 (Notre Dame): 9-4
  • 2023 (Notre Dame): 10-3
  • 2024 (Notre Dame): 13-1
  • Record: 32-9

Marcus Freeman player stats

Freeman was a three-year star for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2006-08 after redshirting his freshman season due to an injury he suffered in the opener vs. Miami in 2005. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears but was released in September. He later was signed to the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans practice squads in 2009 but never appeared in an NFL game.

Freeman retired from playing on May 1, 2010, due to an enlarged heart valve discovered during a physical.

Here’s a look at Freeman’s collegiate stats with the Buckeyes:

  • 2004: Four total tackles
  • 2005: Redshirt
  • 2006: 71 total tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions
  • 2007: 109 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles
  • 2008: 84 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks

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