Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua is intent on head coach Marcus Freeman staying with the program. Bevacqua is set to make him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football if he stays.
According to college football insider Adam Rittenberg, Freeman is receiving interest from the New York Giants, among other teams with head-coaching openings.
More news: Matt Campbell Sends Message on Penn State’s Recruiting Struggles
The 39-year-old took over after Brian Kelly left for LSU, and he has since led them to a 43-12 record and a berth in the National Title game.
He signed a four-year contract extension last December, though Bevacqua has said Freeman will receive annual contract adjustments to ensure he is among the NCAA’s higher-paid coaches.
While the money and comfort can come from Notre Dame, the school can’t offer the same level of notoriety and esteem that comes with being a successful NFL coach, a reality that Bevacqua is well prepared for.
“Everybody has eyes on Marcus,” Bevacqua said. “College has eyes on Marcus; NFL has eyes on Marcus. I bet Hollywood has eyes on Marcus. … He’s the absolute best coach in the country for Notre Dame, full stop, one of the greatest college coaches in the country,” the AD said.
More news: Lane Kiffin Makes Key Decision on LSU Coaches Joining Ole Miss for CFP Run
College football programs are focusing more on hiring the best possible coach and keeping them. Many coaches signed multiple big-money extensions amid interest from other programs, and now Notre Dame is warding off NFL suitors.
Notre Dame just got snubbed from the College Football Playoffs on Sunday as the selection committee put the Miami Hurricanes above them in the final rankings and kept Alabama in the top ten, leaving the Fighting Irish without a spot to fight for a title.
Since then, they have declined to play in a bowl game this year, and the program as a whole has strongly opposed the committee over their exclusion.
If Freeman stays and rejects the NFL’s advance, the Fighting Irish should be listed as favorites to come out guns blazing and secure a playoff spot next season.
More news:Â Deion Sanders Makes His Heisman Preference Clear Amid Mendoza-Pavia Debate
For more college football news, head to Newsweek Sports.