Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman might be headed to the NFL. The 39-year-old has reportedly emerged as one of the names being considered for the coaching vacancy at the New York Giants, who are valued at $10.1 billion by Forbes.

NFL insider Dianna Russini shared the news on X early Saturday.

“Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman is among the names on the candidates list for the Giants’ head coaching vacancy, I’m told. I expect Freeman to garner interest from other NFL organizations as well,” Russini, who works for The Athletic, wrote.

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In another tweet, Russini reported on why Freeman is considered so highly in the NFL circles.

“Marcus Freeman’s leadership, people skills and ability to thrive in one of the most high-profile jobs in the country are drawing the interest of NFL general managers and owners,” she wrote.

Freeman has compiled a 43-12 record during his four-plus years as the Fighting Irish coach after taking over the program in late 2021 following Brian Kelly’s departure to LSU. He led ND to the national championship game last season, where it lost to Ohio State.

Marcus Freeman’s current contract, which was extended last December, runs through the 2030 season with an annual salary of approximately $9.5 million.

The Giants fired Brian Daboll on Nov. 10 following a 24-20 loss to the Chicago Bears that dropped the team to 2-8. Assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka has taken over the head coaching duties. It hasn’t gotten any better for the franchise, which has dropped to 2-11 after losing three consecutive games under the interim coach.

As per Russini, Freeman is among the five candidates the Giants have on their list. The other four include Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury, Packers DC Jeff Hafley, Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak and Colts DC Lou Anarumo

Marcus Freeman on taking up the Giants’ HC role

During an interview with the New York Post, Notre Dame Fighting Irish coach Marcus Freeman revealed that he is humbled to be in the running for the New York Giants’ coaching role.

“The gratitude you have, for one, even being mentioned by an organization like that. I got a lot of respect for all NFL teams, but the history of the Giants is tremendous,” Freeman said. “But it’s gratitude for me, it reminds me of the honor that I have to be in the position I have.

“And I’ve said that before. I use that to remind myself of the gratitude that I have for this position because you wouldn’t have said that statement if I didn’t have this job and we weren’t having success.”

The Fighting Irish, however, are not ready to let Freeman go. ND athletic director Pete Bevacqua said this week that the school wants to keep the coach in Notre Dame for years to come. He added that the school would adjust compensation annually based on outside interest and offers.

Becacqua acknowledged that multiple NFL teams have their sights set on Freeman. He called the Fighting Irish coach one of the greatest college coaches in the country.