Marcus Freeman Balances Leadership at Notre Dame and at Home, Calling Himself an Assistant Coach in His Own Household Team

Marcus Freeman Balances Leadership at Notre Dame and at Home, Calling Himself an Assistant Coach in His Own Household Team

Marcus Freeman, the head coach of the University of Notre Dame’s storied football program, is not just a leader on the gridiron; he’s also a husband, father, and self-proclaimed “assistant coach” at home. For Freeman, the job of leading a college football team that holds one of the richest traditions in sports doesn’t stop at the gates of Notre Dame Stadium. But when he walks through the door of his house, he undergoes a role transformation that many fathers and husbands can relate to—he goes from being the head coach of a nationally recognized team to playing a supportive role within his own family.

Freeman, who is known for his composed demeanor, intense focus, and leadership on the field, shows a contrasting humility and team-first mindset when it comes to his home life. During interviews and public appearances, he has candidly expressed that his wife, Joanna, is the “head coach” of their household. With six children in the Freeman family, organization, delegation, and teamwork are not just concepts relevant to football—they are vital to keeping the family unit strong and functional.

The phrase “assistant coach at home” might sound humorous or self-deprecating, but it reflects a deeper understanding that many high-achieving professionals struggle to maintain: the balance between career and family. Freeman recognizes that the same principles that make a football team successful—communication, trust, humility, and sacrifice—also apply at home. But rather than try to bring the playbook from South Bend into the living room, he embraces a supportive role, deferring to the expertise and decision-making of his wife, who manages the complex logistics of parenting their children and maintaining the household while he pours energy into the rigorous world of college football.

Marcus Freeman’s acknowledgment of his wife’s leadership at home is not only a nod to her strength and commitment but also a display of emotional intelligence and awareness. In a world that often glorifies alpha leadership in every area of life, Freeman shows that true leadership sometimes means knowing when to step back, listen, and support. It’s a reflection of the values he instills in his players—respect, humility, and team over self.

Balancing a high-profile coaching job with being a present and engaged father is no small task. Freeman’s coaching responsibilities are relentless. Recruiting, practices, media obligations, film sessions, staff meetings, and game day pressures don’t leave much room for downtime. Yet Freeman has repeatedly spoken about the importance of being there for his family. He makes time to attend his children’s events, helps with daily routines, and creates moments of connection, even in small ways. His approach models for his players and fellow coaches that being a successful professional does not have to come at the expense of being a committed and loving family man.

This mindset has resonated widely with fans, parents, and people outside the world of sports. Freeman has been seen bringing his children onto the field, into team meetings, and even allowing them to experience the environment of Notre Dame football firsthand. This blending of professional and personal life might seem unusual to some, but for Freeman, it’s a natural extension of who he is. By including his family in his work life and being present in their lives at home, he creates a continuity of values and identity that transcends the usual work-life divide.

The image of a head coach willingly calling himself an “assistant” in any area might be jarring to those unfamiliar with Freeman’s humility. But to those who know him, it’s perfectly in character. His playing days at Ohio State and his rise through the coaching ranks were marked by a focus on team, discipline, and service. When he took over at Notre Dame, replacing Brian Kelly, Freeman inherited one of the most scrutinized jobs in sports. But rather than allow the weight of expectations to distort his priorities, he made it clear that his values—faith, family, and football—would guide him.

Joanna Freeman’s role in this equation cannot be overstated. As the primary organizer, caretaker, and decision-maker for their children, she enables Marcus to do his job with confidence, knowing that the home front is in capable hands. The trust and mutual respect between them are evident. Freeman does not see his role at home as diminished but as complementary. Just as an assistant coach on the field brings vital insights and support that help the head coach succeed, he sees his role at home the same way—being attentive, available, and aligned with the goals of their family.

Freeman’s openness about his family dynamic also challenges outdated norms around masculinity and leadership. In a hyper-competitive field where vulnerability is often seen as weakness, he sets an example by acknowledging his limits and showing that strength also lies in supportiveness, empathy, and shared responsibility. His players, many of whom are young men navigating their own ideas about leadership and family, witness in Freeman a model that redefines what it means to be both tough and tender.

This perspective has helped Freeman build rapport with recruits and their families as well. Parents are often drawn to his character and the way he prioritizes relationships. Recruits see a coach who values not just wins and losses, but who you become in the process. That culture has become a cornerstone of the Freeman era at Notre Dame—a place where character development is just as important as athletic performance.

The symbolism of Freeman’s statement is also powerful: while he may be in charge of one of the most high-profile college football programs in America, he sees his most important job as being a good father and partner. It’s a perspective that reminds us all of the importance of humility and shared effort. The best teams, after all, are not just the ones that dominate on the field, but the ones that support each other in every area of life.

Football may be a game of strategy, strength, and execution, but at its core, it’s also about relationships. The bond between coaches and players, between teammates, and in Freeman’s case, between husband and wife and parent and child, forms the backbone of success both on and off the field. By being willing to take a step back at home and let his wife lead, Freeman is not abdicating responsibility—he is demonstrating trust and unity, the same values he asks of his players.

As Notre Dame continues to compete at the highest level, Freeman’s leadership style remains a beacon not only for aspiring coaches but for anyone trying to balance ambition with family life. His words resonate because they come from a place of experience and authenticity. When he says he’s an assistant coach at home, it’s not a quip—it’s a statement of identity, values, and love.

In the eyes of the sports world, Marcus Freeman is a rising star—a head coach with the potential to take Notre Dame back to national prominence. But in his own eyes, he is first and foremost a husband and father, playing his role to support the true head coach of his family. And in that humble admission lies the heart of what makes him a true leader: knowing that leadership isn’t always about being in charge—sometimes it’s about showing up, serving others, and recognizing the power of the team you call family.