“Leave him alone”: CFB fans left unimpressed as Chicago Bears reportedly approach Marcus Freeman for an interview ahead of the natty matchup

After leading Notre Dame to the national championship game, Marcus Freeman is generating significant interest from the NFL. According to Tom Pelissero, the Chicago Bears are looking to interview the coach for their vacant head coaching job after firing Matt Eberflus in November.

“I am told the team wants to interview Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman for the job,” Pelissero said. “Freeman is in the midst of a magical run with the Fighting Irish to the national championship game.

“Obviously, it’s unlikely that he would entertain NFL overtures prior to that game a week from tomorrow against Ohio State. But the Bears have done extensive research for months on Marcus Freeman. He’s only 39 years old (and it) would not be a shock, if at some point he at least considers going to the NFL.”

The report has led to a series of reactions among college football fans, especially that of Notre Dame. Many are not impressed with the link to the NFL after he's begun to make a name for himself in college football.

Here's a look at some of the reactions online:

"He just resigned with ND through 2030 how does that work? The bears will buy him out and offer him more money? Idk," a fan wrote.

"Nobody can turn the Bears around. Freeman is better off succeeding in Notre Dame," another fan wrote.

"Why leave? He has every resource available in College Football at Notre Dame," a fan commented.

"No. Nope. Nada! We want him to stay with Notre Dame!" another fan commented.

Not the first time the NFL has circled around Marcus Freeman

This isn’t the first instance where the NFL and Marcus Freeman have been linked. Questions have earlier arisen regarding his interest in coaching at the professional level. However, these discussions came shortly after Freeman finalized a contract extension with the school.

“I don’t know when they announced it, I can’t remember, but about a week or two ago, they announced another long contract here at Notre Dame,” Freeman said in December, alluding to his extension amid interest from the NFL. “So, I don’t think we have anything to worry about.”

Freeman signed a substantial contract extension, reportedly adding four more years to his tenure, according to ESPN’s Heather Dinich. The deal secures him for a total of six years with the program. However, the details of the deal weren’t disclosed by Notre Dame.

He boasts an impressive 33-9 record in his three seasons so far with the Fighting Irish, including a stellar 14-1 performance this season heading into the College Football Playoff title game.