Notre Dame football fans can breathe a little easier — at least for now. Head coach Marcus Freeman, who has been the subject of persistent NFL rumors, made it crystal clear Tuesday that he has no intention of leaving South Bend for the pros.

Speaking to reporters, Freeman didn't mince words when asked about his future. "I'm all-in. I've been all-in. I don't see myself being the head coach or coaching anywhere else. I plan on being here as long as I can," Freeman said, via The Athletic. "If I do a good enough job and I'm able and wanted to be the head coach here, I want to stay the head coach here."

Read also
College Sports
Jay Bilas Not Laid Off by ESPN: Fake Rumor Sparks Confusion Among College Basketball Fans
A fake rumor that ESPN laid off Jay Bilas spread like wildfire on social media, confusing college basketball fans. The truth? Bilas is still with the network.

The 40-year-old coach has been a hot name in NFL circles after posting a 43-12 record and leading the Fighting Irish to a national title game appearance since taking over in 2022. According to Dianna Russini, the Giants, Titans, Browns, and Steelers all had internal discussions about Freeman. But he's not biting.

This marks a shift from his stance earlier this year. Back in January, Freeman left the door slightly ajar, telling ESPN's Adam Rittenberg, "Do I want to be? I've never done it. I don't know enough about it. Maybe sometime in the future if it's the right time and it's what I think is right for me, then maybe I'll pursue it."

Now, however, Freeman is singing a different tune. His latest comments could be a strategic move to gain leverage with Notre Dame's administration, or simply a way to eliminate distractions as the 2026 season approaches. The Fighting Irish kick off their campaign on Sept. 6 against Wisconsin, and Freeman wants everyone focused on the task at hand.

Freeman's commitment comes amid a wave of support from former Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly, who recently threw his full support behind Freeman and the program. With Notre Dame's 2026 schedule offering a manageable path to the playoff, Freeman seems determined to build on the momentum he's created.

Whether this hardens stance is a permanent shift or just a temporary pause on NFL dreams remains to be seen. But for now, Freeman is all Notre Dame, and he's not looking back.