Marcus Freeman Makes History: Notre Dame coach unlocks massive achievement after punching CFP national championship ticket 

Marcus Freeman made history on Thursday night by becoming the first Black coach to reach the College Football National Championship Game at FBS level. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions 27-24 in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami to earn him the honor.

Entering halftime with a 10-3 deficit, the Fighting Irish rallied and secured the victory with a final seconds field goal. Adding to the historic moment, Freeman, who is also of Korean descent, became the first Asian coach to lead a team to the national championship.

Marcus Freeman was born at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center in Fairborn, Ohio, in January 1986. His mother, Chong Freeman, is originally from South Korea. She met his father, Michael Freeman, in her homeland while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force.

Marcus Freeman reacts to the history being made

Following the conclusion of the intense encounter at Hard Rock Stadium on Thursday night, Marcus Freeman met with ESPN's sideline reporter Molly McGrath. He was questioned about his feelings about being the first black coach to advance to the national title game.

Freeman acknowledged the honor of reaching the national championship game but humbly credited the feat to his team’s success. He emphasized teamwork while also sharing an inspiring message about the broader significance of being a coach.

“I’ve said this before. I don’t ever want to take attention away from the team,” Freeman said via On3.com during the Orange Bowl trophy ceremony. “It is an honor.

"And I hope all coaches – minorities, Black, Asian, white, it doesn’t matter – great people continue to get opportunities to lead young men like this. But this ain’t about me. This is about us. We’re gonna celebrate what we’ve done, because it’s something special," he added.

Notre Dame now sets its eyes on the ultimate goal

Following the heroic victory on Thursday night, Marcus Freeman and his team now have their eyes on the national championship. They are set to play either Ohio State or Texas for the prize at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Jan. 20.

Reaching this far wouldn't have been expected by many early on during the season. Notre Dame opened the 2024 season brilliantly against Texas A&M but suffered what is arguably the most devastating loss in its history against Northern Illinois at home in Week 2.

The Fighting Irish has, however, been convincing week after week since then. The historic program will be competing for its 12th national championship title later this month.