Notre Dame and Coach Marcus Freeman Make History with National Championship Bid

Freeman becomes the first Black head coach to lead a team to the College Football Playoff title game, as Notre Dame prepares to face Ohio State in Atlanta.

Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman has led his team to the College Football Playoff National Championship, marking the first time a Black head coach has reached this stage in the sport's history.
The Fighting Irish defeated Penn State 27-24 in the Orange Bowl semifinal, overcoming injuries and a halftime deficit with a late-game field goal by Mitch Jeter.
Notre Dame will face Ohio State, Freeman's alma mater, on January 20 in Atlanta, as both teams aim to end long championship droughts.
Freeman's success has reignited discussions about the challenges Black coaches face in football, particularly regarding hiring and retention at both collegiate and professional levels.
Notre Dame remains committed to its independent status, with Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua highlighting its financial and scheduling advantages as key to the program's success.