Marcus Freeman Becomes First Notre Dame Coach to Win Both National Coach of the Year Awards in the Same Historic Season
For a university and football program that has stood as a beacon of tradition and excellence for more than a century, Notre Dame has seen its share of legends roam the sidelines. From Knute Rockne to Lou Holtz, the Fighting Irish have long been led by larger-than-life figures, each carving out a distinct chapter in college football history. And now, in the modern era, Marcus Freeman has joined that elite company—not only through his success on the field but by doing something no Notre Dame coach before him has ever done: winning two major national Coach of the Year awards in the same season.
In what has already been a transformative year for Notre Dame football, Freeman’s recognition cements both his legacy and the current trajectory of the program. By capturing both the Associated Press (AP) Coach of the Year award and the Home Depot Coach of the Year honor, Freeman has proven what many within the program already believed—he is not just the right man for the job, but a generational leader capable of steering Notre Dame into a new golden age.
Winning either of those awards in a single season is a mark of excellence. Winning both in the same year places Freeman in an entirely different category. This dual recognition is a testament to his ability to lead, inspire, strategize, and deliver results on the biggest stage in college football. For a school with as storied a football history as Notre Dame, it is truly astonishing that no other coach—despite years of top finishes, national titles, and Heisman Trophy winners—had ever achieved this dual honor before. That alone speaks volumes about the magnitude of what Freeman accomplished this season.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the road Freeman has taken to reach this pinnacle. Just a few seasons ago, he was a first-year defensive coordinator at Notre Dame, new to the pressures and expectations of a program that demands nothing less than greatness. When Brian Kelly departed unexpectedly, Freeman was elevated to head coach in a whirlwind of emotion, hope, and scrutiny. Some questioned whether the young coach, lacking head coaching experience, could shoulder the burden of leading college football’s most iconic brand. But Freeman never flinched. He embraced the moment, took ownership of the program, and began constructing a team in his image—tough, disciplined, passionate, and relentlessly focused.
This season, the results of that vision came fully to life. Notre Dame not only won games—they dominated opponents with a blend of defensive intensity, offensive balance, and emotional poise. Freeman’s leadership style was evident in every facet of the team’s identity. The defense, long a calling card for the Irish, played with renewed aggression and discipline. The offense, finally infused with dynamic quarterback play and a versatile supporting cast, became one of the most balanced units in the nation. And perhaps most importantly, the culture Freeman had spent years building began to bloom. Players believed. Coaches aligned. Fans reconnected.
Beyond the wins and stats, it was the intangibles that elevated Freeman’s candidacy for both awards. He navigated injuries, high-pressure moments, and national spotlight games with composure. He was transparent with the media, accountable in defeats, and gracious in victory. His relationship with his players—always central to his coaching philosophy—was evident not just in postgame interviews but in the way the team played for him. They didn’t just execute—they competed with heart, purpose, and unity.
The AP Coach of the Year award is among the most respected honors in college football, awarded annually to the coach deemed to have achieved the most with his team during the season. Past winners include legends like Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, and Joe Paterno. For Freeman to join that list is meaningful. But to do so while also winning the Home Depot Coach of the Year award—presented during ESPN’s nationally televised College Football Awards show—elevates the moment to a historic level. The Home Depot honor has often been a precursor to national championships and long-term program ascension. It recognizes not just season success but the full spectrum of a coach’s impact—on players, staff, fans, and the sport itself.
Marcus Freeman’s impact has indeed been far-reaching. In recruiting, he has helped Notre Dame evolve into a powerhouse capable of competing head-to-head with SEC giants and Big Ten bluebloods. His ability to relate to modern athletes, while still holding them to the highest standards, has created a unique blend of old-school values and new-age energy. The result is a program that remains true to its roots but refuses to be left behind in an ever-changing college football landscape.
Another key factor that makes Freeman’s dual award win so extraordinary is that it came in just his third year as head coach. He did not inherit a perfect situation. When he took over, the program was at a crossroads—successful under Kelly, but criticized for plateauing on the national stage. Freeman injected fresh energy, overhauled key aspects of the team’s identity, and took bold risks with staff changes and play style. The growing pains of his first season were real, but they proved foundational. Each misstep became a lesson. Each setback became fuel. And by the time this season rolled around, the Irish were no longer trying to find their way—they had become a fully realized force, molded in their coach’s image.
This coaching season wasn’t without its challenges. The Irish faced one of the nation’s toughest schedules, including games against multiple top-10 opponents, hostile road environments, and primetime showdowns that tested their resilience. Yet in each of those moments, Freeman’s preparation and leadership shined through. When adversity struck—be it a slow start, a key injury, or a controversial call—Freeman remained the steady hand. His players followed his lead, responding with grit and maturity. That consistency, that trust, is part of what separates good coaches from great ones.
It’s also worth noting the broader significance of Freeman’s achievement. As one of the few Black head coaches at the FBS level, his success carries weight far beyond Notre Dame’s campus. It signals progress in a sport that has too often failed to reflect the diversity of its player base in its leadership ranks. Freeman has never asked for his success to be framed through the lens of race—but there is no denying the importance of representation at the highest levels. In winning these two major coaching awards, Freeman not only made history for Notre Dame, but he also broke barriers and set a powerful example for future generations of coaches and players alike.
The reaction from the Notre Dame community has been one of overwhelming pride and celebration. Players took to social media to share their appreciation, praising their coach not just for his leadership, but for his authenticity. Alumni and former players reached out with messages of congratulations, seeing in Freeman a continuation of the values that have always defined Notre Dame football. And fans, many of whom were cautiously optimistic when he was first hired, now see in him a long-term leader capable of restoring the program to national title contention.
Marcus Freeman’s historic sweep of the Coach of the Year awards is more than a personal accolade—it is a signal to the college football world. Notre Dame is back, and not just as a respected contender, but as a force to be reckoned with. The foundation has been laid, the culture is in place, and the belief is stronger than ever. With Freeman at the helm, the Irish are not only prepared to chase championships—they are built to win them.
The story of the 202X season will be remembered for many things—big wins, breakout stars, signature moments—but at its center will always be Marcus Freeman. His vision, his resolve, and his leadership have carried Notre Dame through a pivotal era. And now, with two national coaching awards to his name and a place in school history forever secured, Freeman stands not just as a successful head coach, but as a transformational figure in one of college football’s greatest programs.
For the first time in Notre Dame’s illustrious football history, one of its head coaches has won both the AP Coach of the Year and Home Depot Coach of the Year awards in the same season. And if Marcus Freeman’s trajectory is any indication, it may not be the last. The Freeman era has arrived—and it’s only just beginning.
