Former Notre Dame LB Manti Te'o reveals what makes Marcus Freeman a true standout: "He’ll stand up for you”

Former Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o recently shared high praise for Marcus Freeman, the current coach of the Fighting Irish. Speaking on "The Zach Gelb Show," Te’o highlighted Freeman's leadership qualities, drawing a comparison to former coach Brian Kelly.

Te’o described Freeman as someone players can trust and follow, emphasizing his ability to connect with them.

“You want to follow that guy wherever he goes, and he’ll stand up for you,” Te’o said. “And I think that’s the biggest difference with coach Freeman compared to coach Kelly.”

When asked by host Zach Gelb if Freeman is better suited for the job than Kelly, Te’o offered a balanced perspective.

“Let me say this about Brian Kelly, he’s a good offensive-minded coach,” Te’o explained. “But when it comes to being a head coach, the great ones know not just the X’s and O’s, but how to connect with players and push them to be their best. That’s what I see in coach Freeman.”

Te’o also compared Freeman’s leadership style to that of Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell, whom he worked with during his NFL career.

“There’s a certain culture that’s built when you have a leader like coach Freeman or coach Campbell,” he added.

Marcus Freeman is set to make college football history

Marcus Freeman’s journey as a coach has already been historic. When Notre Dame hired him in December 2021, he became the second black coach in the school’s history, nearly two decades after Tyrone Willingham.

Reflecting on his role, Freeman spoke candidly about representation in college football.

“It’s a reminder that you are a representation for many others and our players that look the same way I do,” Freeman said. “Your color shouldn’t matter. The evidence of your work should. But it takes everybody.”

Since taking over as coach, Freeman has guided Notre Dame to notable success. In his debut season in 2022, the Irish posted a 9-4 record, including a victory over No. 19 South Carolina in the Gator Bowl. The following year, Freeman’s team improved to a 10-3 mark, capped by a Sun Bowl win over No. 21 Oregon State.

Under Freeman, Notre Dame has seen individual players excel and the team’s performance reach new heights. In 2023, the Irish boasted two unanimous All-Americans: offensive lineman Joe Alt and safety Xavier Watts. Watts also won the Bronko Nagurski Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player, after leading the FBS with seven interceptions.

Other standout players included defensive lineman Howard Cross III and running back Audric Estime’, who were both named All-Americans.

The Irish defense ranked among the best in the nation in 2023, finishing first in team pass efficiency defense and second in red zone defense. On offense, Notre Dame averaged 39.1 points per game, the second-highest mark in program history, and 7.0 yards per play, matching a school record.

Notre Dame has delivered a remarkable 2024 season, culminating in a 13-1 record. Averaging nearly 40 points per game, the Irish showcased balanced contributions from their passing and rushing attacks. The Fighting Irish now stand on the brink of history as they prepare to face Penn State in the Orange Bowl.