Overview
- Freeman announced his decision with “2026…run it back” on X, and the university confirmed he will coach the Fighting Irish next season.
- Sports Illustrated reported he informed two NFL franchises he was staying at Notre Dame, removing a prominent candidate from the 2026 hiring cycle.
- The reworked deal reportedly adds a year to his contract through 2031 and elevates his compensation into the top tier among college coaches.
- The New York Giants and Tennessee Titans were among teams that evaluated Freeman for head-coaching vacancies, according to multiple outlets.
- Freeman is 43-12 at Notre Dame after a 10-2 season that ended without a CFP bid or bowl, and 2026 shapes up with returning starter C.J. Carr and a consensus top-five recruiting class.