Notre Dame football suddenly dealing with reports of Marcus Freeman to the NFL

The upside of Marcus Freeman having as much success as he’s having for the Notre Dame football program this season is that the Fighting Irish are now in line to host a playoff game. The downside is that the NFL is looking at him.

Over the last few hours, several reports have started surfacing saying that Freeman could be one of the top college coaches being targeted by the pros. The big question now may be if he’s looking to move on, or make himself the king of South Bend.

The NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, reported that Freeman is among a host of people who are talked about as one of the next hires in the National Football League. Though there might be a bit of a hint that the Notre Dame football coach isn’t all that interested in moving up just yet.

Notre Dame football dealing with Marcus Freeman NFL rumors

“NFL teams have inquired about Freeman in recent years amidst his meteoric rise in coaching, from his first GA job at his alma mater (Ohio State) in 2010 to becoming the head coach of one of college football's most iconic programs (Notre Dame) 11 years later," Pelissero wrote. "Since taking over in the aftermath of Brian Kelly's midnight exit for LSU, Freeman has led the Fighting Irish to a 28-9 record and current No. 6 national ranking. He's an engaging presence who will win the interview -- if and when he's willing to take one."

It’s the “if and when he’s willing to take one” that should give Irish fans some hope.

It should also be noted there were 22 men on Pelissero’s list. It’s hard to tell just how serious an NFL inquiry is, rather than just the writer throwing any name he’s ever heard remotely whispered. 

This is going to be something to watch for the next few weeks and months. Especially if Freeman’s Notre Dame football team makes some noise in the playoffs.