Breaking News: As Ohioans gear up for Ohio State’s national championship game, did you know that Notre Dame’s head coach not only played and coached at Ohio State, he was born at Wright Patterson Air Force Base?…. read more

As Ohioans prepare for the Ohio State Buckeyes’ national championship game, it’s noteworthy that Notre Dame’s head coach, Marcus Freeman, has deep ties to Ohio State. Not only did Freeman play and coach at Ohio State, but he was also born at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. citeturn0search0

Early Life and Education

Born on January 10, 1986, at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center, Freeman’s upbringing was influenced by his parents’ diverse backgrounds. His mother, Chong Freeman, hails from South Korea, while his father, Michael Freeman, is African American. The family settled in Ohio in 1976. citeturn0search0

Freeman attended Wayne High School in Huber Heights, Ohio, where he excelled both academically and athletically. He was a four-year starter and a two-time first-team All-Ohio selection in football, showcasing his prowess on the field. citeturn0search0

Playing Career at Ohio State

After high school, Freeman committed to Ohio State University, where he played as a linebacker from 2004 to 2008. During his collegiate career, he appeared in 51 games, recording 264 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, six sacks, and two interceptions. His performance earned him recognition as a two-time second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2007 and 2008. citeturn0search0

Coaching Career

Following his playing days, Freeman transitioned into coaching. In 2010, he served as a graduate assistant at Ohio State, working closely with the linebackers. He then moved on to Kent State University as the linebackers coach from 2011 to 2012, followed by a similar role at Purdue University from 2013 to 2015. In 2016, Freeman was promoted to co-defensive coordinator at Purdue. citeturn0search0

In 2017, Freeman joined the University of Cincinnati as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, where he made significant contributions to the team’s defensive strategies. His success at Cincinnati led to his appointment as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 2021. Later that year, Freeman was named the head coach of the Fighting Irish. citeturn0search0

Personal Life

Freeman married Joanna Herncane in 2010, and the couple has six children. In 2022, Freeman embraced Catholicism, further deepening his connection to the Notre Dame community. citeturn0search0

As the head coach of Notre Dame, Freeman’s journey from a player and coach at Ohio State to leading the Fighting Irish exemplifies his dedication to the sport and his ability to bridge significant programs in college football.