Marcus Freeman, head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, was named College Coach of the Year by the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches (NCMFC), in a watershed moment that highlights the importance of representation in collegiate athletics. The award was presented during the NCMFC Conference in Las Vegas, recognising Freeman’s remarkable leadership and breakthrough achievements throughout the 2024 season.
Freeman’s third year at Notre Dame was nothing short of spectacular. He led the Fighting Irish to a 14-2 record, including a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship. This accomplishment was important since Freeman became the first Black or Asian American head coach to lead a team to the CFP National Championship game. Under his leadership, Notre Dame finished the season ranked second by the Associated Press, highlighting the team’s exceptional performance.
Throughout the 2024 season, Freeman’s leadership was obvious as Notre Dame won seven games against opponents ranked in the AP Poll at the time of the game. These important wins included victories over No. 20 Texas A&M, No. 15 Louisville, No. 24 Navy, No. 18 Army, No. 9 Indiana, No. 2 Georgia, and No. 5 Penn State. The CFP victory over Penn State was particularly notable because it was the 14th ranked win under Freeman’s leadership—a record for any Notre Dame head coach in their first three years. This milestone also tied Notre Dame and Georgia for the most wins over ranked opponents in the last three years, with each having 14 such wins.
Freeman’s outstanding season has been recognised with numerous important prizes. In addition to the NCMFC College Coach of the Year award, he won the 2024 Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award, the 2024 Dodd Trophy, and the 2024 George Munger College Coach of the Year Award. His dedication to community service and leadership was further recognised when he was named the honorary head coach for the 2024 AFCA Allstate Good Works Team.
The NCMFC’s celebration of Freeman acknowledges not only his on-field accomplishments, but also his contributions to fostering diversity and inclusiveness in collegiate football. Founded to fight for more possibilities for minority coaches, the NCMFC recognises individuals who demonstrate integrity, character, and excellence both on and off the field. Freeman’s historic achievements are an inspiration, highlighting the enormous significance of representation in senior positions.
As Freeman continues to lead the Fighting Irish, his path exemplifies the progress made in diversifying college football’s coaching ranks. His successes extend beyond football, representing optimism and opportunity for future generations of minority coaches and athletes.