The NFL is always watching Notre Dame, but rarely has the interest felt as real as it does right now with Marcus Freeman. Still early in his head coaching career, Freeman has already built a national reputation as a culture-setter, elite recruiter, and defensive mind capable of elevating talent at every level.
As NFL teams search for leaders who can connect with players and modern locker rooms, Freeman checks every box. That’s why the idea of him leaving Notre Dame for the NFL, particularly to lead the New York Giants or Tennessee Titans, feels less like speculation and more like an inevitability at some point. What makes this storyline even more compelling is how such a move could dramatically impact the draft stock of Jeremiyah Love, a player who could realistically find himself reunited with his college coach on Sundays.
Why NFL teams are circling Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman
Marcus Freeman brings something rare to the table: credibility with players, schematic flexibility, and a commanding presence that translates beyond college football. His defenses play fast, physical, and disciplined, and his teams consistently show toughness in big moments. More importantly, Freeman’s leadership style resonates with young players, something NFL franchises are prioritizing more than ever. He’s not a scheme-only coach; he’s a program builder. That’s exactly why franchises like the Giants and Titans make sense as potential landing spots.
New York Giants: A roster ready for the Freeman effect
The New York Giants may be holding the No. 1 or No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft, but this roster is far from barren. Defensively, the Giants are loaded with young talent that flashes elite upside but lacks consistent identity. Freeman’s defensive background and emphasis on accountability could unlock that unit’s next level almost immediately. He thrives with athletic defenders who can play fast, and the Giants have exactly that.
Offensively, the Giants already have cornerstone pieces in place. Malik Nabers gives them a true WR1 with star potential, and the offense has quietly accumulated versatile skill talent. With a premium draft pick, New York would be in prime position to trade down with teams like the Vikings or Cardinals, stockpile assets, and still target impact players later in the first round.
That’s where Jeremiyah Love enters the picture. A trade down could put the Giants in position to draft Love and instantly plug him into an offense that could include Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, and Nabers. Love’s explosiveness, vision, and versatility would thrive in a system run by a coach who already knows how to maximize his skill set. Freeman’s familiarity with Love wouldn’t just help on the field; it would accelerate Love’s transition to the NFL and elevate his draft stock significantly.
Tennessee Titans: A rebuild with massive upside
Tennessee is a different challenge, but one that might be even more appealing. The Titans currently sit at the No. 3 pick and are clearly in the early stages of a rebuild. The roster has holes, but the AFC South remains one of the most wide-open divisions in football. With the right leadership and smart draft strategy, a turnaround could happen faster than many expect.
Freeman would be an ideal culture-reset coach for Tennessee. His ability to establish toughness and discipline would immediately address some of the Titans’ biggest issues. Offensively, the presence of Cam Ward gives Tennessee a quarterback with upside and playmaking ability. Pairing Ward with Jeremiyah Love would give the Titans a foundation reminiscent of their most successful years.
While Tennessee could take Love at No. 3, the smarter move would be trading back, accumulating much needed draft capital, and still positioning themselves to land him. Love has the tools to become the next Derrick Henry type centerpiece, while Ward’s skill set draws natural comparisons to Steve McNair. Add a few wide receivers in the middle rounds, and suddenly the Titans could field one of the most electrifying offenses in the league, all under a coach who knows exactly how to build around his stars.
If Marcus Freeman makes the jump to the NFL, Jeremiyah Love’s draft stock immediately becomes more intriguing. Teams value familiarity, trust, and proven development. A head coach willing to vouch for Love based on firsthand experience carries weight in draft rooms. Whether in New York or Tennessee, Love would enter a situation tailored to his strengths, with a coach who already understands how to deploy him creatively and effectively.
Notre Dame fans would also immediately become fans of whatever team the two men are on.