Jan 1, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Jan 1, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been quite a rocky season for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish this season under first-year head coach Marcus Freeman. Despite starting the season with a top-five ranking, the Irish got off to a slow start with a loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the season-opening contest. Things then got worse for the Irish as they fell to the unranked Marshall Thundering Herd in a game where quarterback Tyler Buchner suffered a season-ending injury.

But the team bounced back, winning eight of its last nine games including a huge win over the undefeated Clemson Tigers earlier this month. And Freeman had plenty to say about his first season as a head coach.

“You don’t become a new person because of your title or role. You continue to attack challenges being the person you are. That’s what I’ve learned,” Marcus Freeman said according to On3. “It’s a different challenge. You’ve got a different responsibility. But continue to be who you are, work tirelessly, love with your heart. It’s never going to be perfect but, if you work at it, you continue to find different ways to improve.”

Freeman will have a chance to add to a stellar first season with a win over the No. 5 USC Trojans this weekend.

[On3]