Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has reportedly surfaced as a candidate for the New York Giants’ vacant head coaching position, joining a growing list of potential hires as the franchise begins its 2026 coaching search.
While Freeman has no NFL experience, his rapid rise in college football and reputation as a leader make him an intriguing option for a team in need of culture and direction. His defensive background also makes him appealing to a Giants team with talented personnel and underachieving performance on the football field.
Why Freeman Is Drawing NFL Interest
Mark Garafolo of NFL Network reported about the Giants, “Marcus Freeman, mentioned as a guy that should be in their coaching search. Yes, that is the case and I expect him to be the foremost among the college candidates.”
Garafolo also mentioned that New York will interview many other defensive-minded coaches and veteran coaches from around the NFL. With many league head coaches handling offensive playcalling, there is no offensive playcaller like current Bears head coach Ben Johnson who stands out this offseason as a potential head coaching hire.
At just 39 years old, Freeman has quickly established himself as one of college football’s premier young coaches. He owns a 43‑12 record over four full seasons at Notre Dame, including a trip to the College Football Playoff national championship game last season, ultimately a loss to Ohio State after a deep playoff run that saw the Irish defeat Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State.
Beyond wins and losses, Freeman is known for building a strong locker room culture, developing talent, and adapting schemes to get the most out of his roster — traits NFL executives increasingly value in a head coach.
Freeman’s defensive background also adds to his appeal. As a former linebacker and defensive coordinator, he brings a blueprint for building aggressive, flexible defenses. That experience could be particularly relevant for a Giants team looking to improve its defensive identity while maintaining offensive continuity.
What a Freeman Hire Could Mean for New York
While Freeman has never coached in the NFL, his leadership and ability to manage high-profile players could translate to the pro game. The Giants, coming off a poor, lackluster season, need a head coach capable of instilling discipline, accountability, and adaptability — qualities Freeman has demonstrated at Notre Dame.
Questions remain about whether Freeman would leave Notre Dame, where he recently signed a long-term contract. The school has expressed a strong desire to retain him, meaning a transition to the NFL would carry significant professional and personal weight.
Still, Freeman represents a bold, modern choice for the Giants. His combination of leadership, defensive acumen, and program-building experience positions him as a top candidate, per reports, in a search that could shape the franchise’s direction for years to come.
With a talented roster featuring players like Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Dexter Lawrence, and a young secondary behind them, Freeman’s defensive expertise could unlock the full potential of New York’s personnel.
His ability to design adaptable, opponent-specific game plans and develop emerging talent could turn flashes of defensive promise into consistent, high-level performance, giving the Giants a blueprint to compete in every phase of the game.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Marcus Freeman Emerges as Top Giants Head Coaching Candidate appeared first on Heavy Sports.