Why Notre Dame football fans should feel lucky
Now that the 2022 college football season is over, it’s a great time for reflection.
Notre Dame football was a mystery for most of the year. It had an ongoing struggle for consistency as it navigated the path toward the Irish’s new identity. It wasn’t easy, and there are varying opinions on how it went.
There will be plenty of time between now and 2023’s opener in Dublin to dissect the roster, debate areas of strength and weakness, etc. But today I wanted to focus on some more nuanced reasons Irish fans should feel as though they are in very competent hands moving forward with Marcus Freeman.
Relentless Energy
Oct. 29, 2022; Syracuse, New York; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman greets his players after a touchdown against the Syracuse Orange in the first quarter at JMA Wireless Dome. Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
If you follow Notre Dame social media at all, you know how it seems Freeman is five places at once. He and his staff are always on the move. Whether it be for recruiting visits, alumni events or charitable fundraisers, this group is extremely active — noticeably more so than the previous regime.
In a modern college football world where more is required than ever of head coaches regarding their time and obligations, I love that Notre Dame has a young, modern coach ready and willing to grind. This is a breathe of fresh air.
Relationships With Athletes
Dec. 30, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman lifts the trophy after the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2022 Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field. Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
Marcus Freeman is selling Notre Dame football the way it should be sold: a classic with a modern twist. This is much more than simply the notion that Freeman can relate because he is close to the players in age.
Unlike many established emperors of college football coaching royalty, Freeman has no history with “the way things were.” He doesn’t harbor resentment toward having to share the spotlight and power dynamic with players; he leans into it. This will be key for success.
Relationship With Administration
Dec. 30, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman reacts after a touchdown during the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2022 Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field. Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
By now it’s no secret Brian Kelly’s relationship with the administration was strained. How much so and for how long is up for debate. There were consequences to this unfortunate dynamic. It’s harder to get things done when this is the relationship. Ears and wallets tend to stay closed.
The situation appears to be different with Freeman. His genuine personality lends folks to want to be helpful, want to make things work and want to be flexible. This amiable a relationship between coach and administration is an invaluable asset for a football program.
Portal Plays
Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman with players shortly before taking the field for Friday’s Gator Bowl game. The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish took on the University of South Carolina Gamecocks in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl game in Jacksonville, Florida’s TIAA Bank Field Friday, Dec. 30, 2022. Bob Self/Florida Times-Union
Marcus Freeman and company have been much more active in the Transfer Portal than anyone predicted. This is a great sign of things to come. Freeman realizes how critical the portal is becoming, and is trying to maximize it while maintaining Notre Dame’s values.
This is not an easy task, but one well-suited for Marcus due to the way he can naturally read and connect with people. He’s a great reader of people. Finding the right fits. Nobody knows how gifted of a game day coach Freeman will become, but in terms of everything else, it’d be hard to argue the Irish faithful aren’t darn lucky to have Freeman running the operation.
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