Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame agree to restructured contract amid NFL interest

Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Football coach Marcus Freeman and the University of Notre Dame agreed to a restructured contract, a source familiar with the deal told UPI on Monday.

Freeman, who drew interest from NFL teams, confirmed his return on X. The fifth-year head coach led the Fighting Irish to a 10-2 record in 2025. He went 43-12 over his first five seasons, including last year's run to the College Football Playoff finale.

"2026...run it back," Freeman wrote on X. "Go Irish."

The 2025 Fighting Irish scored the third-most points per game (42) and allowed the 12th-fewest points per game (17.6). They lost their first two games and went on a 10-game winning streak, but failed to make the College Football Playoff. The 2024 Fighting Irish ranked 10th in points per game and fifth in points allowed.

Fighting Irish athletic director Pete Bevacqua told reporters earlier this month that Freeman was the "perfect coach for Notre Dame." He also said that Freeman deserves to be at the "top tier of college football coaches when it comes to compensation every year."

Freeman, 39, was previously linked to several NFL coaching vacancies, including the New York Giants. He previously agreed to a four-year contract extension in 2024 with Notre Dame. That deal was set to run through 2030.