Marcus Freeman knows what it is like to play football in college. He did it at Ohio State from 2004 to 2008, and granted that was a very different time in college football, but he understands what it is like for these young players. When building his own program at Notre Dame, it is clear he is holding himself to as high of a standard as he is holding his players when it comes to developing these young men.
When asked about the added pressure of being the head coach at Notre Dame, Freeman didn't focus on winning championships or every game he coaches, but instead showed that there is more than just football when it comes to coaching.
"The pressure you put on yourself is to help mod and help young people grow and reach their goals as football players and as men," Freeman said.
"The pressure you put on yourself is to help mold and help young people grow and reach their goals as football players and as men." - Marcus Freeman on if there is added pressure being the head coach at Notre Dame pic.twitter.com/3fT5hR9BEy
— Matt Freeman (@mattfreeman05_) July 18, 2025
There is always pressure to win and be the best coach of the best program in the country, but being able to mold men into good people as well as football players is nearly as important, if not sometimes more important than anything else.
That is truly a selling point for Notre Dame's program to prospective players, as they will want to play for a head coach and a coaching staff that truly cares about the people they become, not just the football player they become. That is also a selling point for parents of prospective players as they want to know their child is going to be well taken care of.
Building a successful program is more than just trophies; it is about the people you produce, and if there is one coach who proved that, it is Nick Saban when he was at Alabama. If Freeman can do what Saban did with his players there, that is something to be very proud of.