How Old Is Notre Dame Football Coach Marcus Freeman?

By Sarah Miller · May 21, 2033

Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman is 38 years old as of 2025. Born on January 10, 1987, Freeman has quickly risen through the coaching ranks and is currently in his fourth season leading the Fighting Irish. A former standout linebacker and defensive coordinator, he became head coach in December 2021 at age 35, making him one of the youngest and most promising leaders in college football today.

Who Is Notre Dame's Head Football Coach?

Marcus Freeman is the current head football coach at the University of Notre Dame, a position he has held since December 2021. As of October 2025, he is 38 years old and continues to build a strong legacy with the Fighting Irish program.

Background and Coaching Journey

Marcus Freeman played college football at Ohio State University as a linebacker from 2004 to 2008.
He began his coaching career at Kent State in 2010 as a graduate assistant.
Prior to Notre Dame, he served as defensive coordinator at Purdue and Cincinnati.
Freeman joined Notre Dame’s staff in 2018 as safeties coach and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2020.
In December 2021, he was named head coach following the departure of Brian Kelly.

Age and Career Timeline of Marcus Freeman

Understanding Freeman’s age in context with his career milestones highlights his rapid ascent in the coaching world. At just 35, he took over one of the most prestigious programs in college football history.

Year	Age	Position	Institution
2010	23	Graduate Assistant	Kent State
2011–2012	24–26	Linebackers Coach	Kent State
2013–2016	26–29	Defensive Coordinator / LBs	Purdue
2017	30	Defensive Coordinator / Safeties	Cincinnati
2018–2019	31–32	Safeties Coach	Notre Dame
2020	33	Defensive Coordinator	Notre Dame
2021–Present	35–38+	Head Coach	Notre Dame

Table data source:1, 2

The table illustrates how Freeman reached elite status at a young age. By 33, he was coordinating a top-tier defense at Notre Dame; by 35, he led the entire program. His trajectory reflects both exceptional talent and strategic career development.

Why Age Matters in College Football Coaching

Freeman’s youth brings several advantages to Notre Dame’s football program:

Relatability: Younger coaches often connect more easily with student-athletes who are only a decade younger.
Innovation: Modern offensive and defensive schemes require up-to-date knowledge, which younger coaches typically embrace faster.
Recruiting Edge: Freeman’s energy and communication style appeal to high school prospects in the digital age.
Long-Term Vision: At 38, he likely has 15+ years of coaching ahead, offering stability for Notre Dame’s future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Notre Dame Football Coach

How old is Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman?

Marcus Freeman is 38 years old as of 2025. He was born on January 10, 1987, and became head coach at Notre Dame in December 2021 at the age of 35.

When did Marcus Freeman become head coach at Notre Dame?

Marcus Freeman was officially named head coach on December 3, 2021, after serving as defensive coordinator. He began leading the team full-time starting with the 2022 season.

What was Marcus Freeman’s playing career like?

Freeman was a three-year starter at linebacker for Ohio State (2005–2008), earning All-Big Ten honors. He helped lead the Buckeyes to multiple BCS bowl appearances and was known for his leadership and toughness.

Has Marcus Freeman won any major coaching awards?

Yes. In 2022, Freeman was a finalist for the Dodd Trophy and the Bear Bryant Award. He also earned praise for leading Notre Dame to a 9–4 record in his first full season and maintaining a top-ranked defense.

What is Marcus Freeman’s contract at Notre Dame?

Freeman signed a six-year, $30 million contract extension in 2023, averaging $5 million per year. The deal reflects Notre Dame’s confidence in his long-term leadership and success potential.