Marcus Freeman signs new contract: Notre Dame coach tied up for six more years

Notre Dame Fighting Irish coach Marcus Freeman agreed to a long-term deal Sunday, making him one of college football's highest-paid coaches. According to Sports Illustrated, the four-year extension ensures Freeman remains under contract through the 2030 season.

Freeman still had two years remaining on his previous contract.

"I am grateful for the support of the Board of Trustees, led by John Veihmeyer, President Fr. Bob Dowd, C.S.C. and Director of Athletics Pete Bevacqua," Freeman said in a statement released by the athletic department. ...

"This commitment goes well beyond myself, as they are dedicated to ensuring all aspects of our program are competitive within the upper echelon of college football."

Freeman has served as Notre Dame's coach since replacing Brian Kelly in 2021. He coached the Fighting Irish in their 2021 bowl game before taking over full-time in 2022.

Freeman holds a 30-9 record as Notre Dame's coach. This season, he led the Fighting Irish to an 11-1 record and a College Football Playoff berth.

Marcus Freeman is expecting a 'great challenge' in Notre Dame's playoff game

Marcus Freeman & Notre Dame host Indiana - Source: Imagn

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will host the Indiana Hoosiers in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Friday at 8 p.m. ET.

The Fighting Irish are a 7.5-point favorite, but Freeman knows Indiana is tough out and a good football team.

"It's an 11-1 football team, very talented, but you can tell they're coached well," Freeman told the media on Sunday. "They play, as I often say, with the clarity that you look for when you watch film. It's a team that plays fast, a team that understands what they're doing, why they're doing it, and how they're doing it. ...

"So, we understand it will be a great challenge for us and we have to have a great week of prep as we get ready for Friday night."

If Notre Dame wins, Freeman and the Fighting Irish will play the Georgia Bulldogs in the quarterfinals.