Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman had many highs and lows in his first season as head coach.
The Fighting Irish finished with a 9-4 overall record and a win in the Gator Bowl. However, the Irish are currently battling the perception that the school’s hesitant towards contractual buyout prices cost the school several prospects while searching for a new defensive coordinator.
Freeman took to the podium on Monday in South Bend to clarify that the Irish are still striving for national championships.
“I don’t see if there’s any other way that they can show more commitment to us having success,” Freeman said, according to 247 Sports. “Now, it could be with coaching, salaries, that can be with NIL. That can be with the support of our football program and continuing to enhance everything we do. Facilities. Training table. Whatever it is that we believe our program needs to continue to climb to the mountaintop, I’ve had full support by the administration and [athletic director] Jack [Swarbrick].”
Freeman then doubled down on the support he’s gotten from the administration during his short time as Irish coach.
“I want to be very crystal clear about that. At no point during this process or since my time that I’ve been here do I not feel that I’ve had the support of our administration and Jack,” Freeman said. “He’s offered to pay whatever buyout there’s been.”
Only time will tell how this mentality affects the Irish next season.
