Where else could Marcus Freeman coach and enjoy such an easy November runway into the playoff? Certainly, not at Florida.
Notre Dame not being in a conference offers an advantage.
This side of the NFL, only Ohio State would make sense for Marcus Freeman.
You’ve just got to laugh anytime a college coaching job opens and there’s Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman listed as a potential candidate.
I used to think Kentucky’s Mark Stoops had the greatest job in America. He’s paid $9 million a year to go 4-8. That’s excellent work if you can get it.
Now, though, I’m thinking Freeman outdoes even Stoops for the best job in all the land. Look at it this way: All that stands between Freeman and another College Football Playoff bid is a November schedule of Boston College, Navy, Pittsburgh, Syracuse and Stanford.
Oh, my!
Where else could Freeman coach and enjoy such an easy November runway into the playoff? Certainly, not at Florida, one of those schools that’s hiring.
Freeman can pursue a national championship right where he’s at — he proved that last season — and do so without bothering with a Florida schedule that, this November, includes games against Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee, three playoff contenders.
Brian Kelly tried trading in Notre Dame’s independence for the SEC’s rigors. How’s that decision working out for him? Not great!
Notre Dame’s independence an advantage in playoff pursuit
At Notre Dame, Freeman enjoys the benefit of coaching a team that’s respected by the playoff committee like an SEC or Big Ten school, without having to actually play a conference schedule. Win-win.
So long as the Irish win out and reach 10-2, they can rest up and prepare for a CFP game during conference championship weekend, while other contenders play difficult games.
Freeman spoke recently on the “Bussin’ with the Boys” podcast about Notre Dame’s adherence to its independence.
“If there’s a time that Notre Dame has to join a conference to ensure they can have the same opportunities to make the playoff as everybody else, then I’m sure our administration would do it,” he said. “Currently, the administration and myself and all of us feel confident that if we win the games we’re supposed to win, we take care of the business we’re supposed to take care of, we have just as good of a chance to make the playoffs as anybody else.”
Let me translate that: Freeman knows he’s got it made in the shade so long as the Irish can handle some November roadkill. He’s telling no lies.
As losses mount to other playoff contenders inside the battle royale of conference play, the Irish are in great shape to enjoy a full recovery from that 0-2 start.
So, I ask: What’s the appeal of a job like Florida for Freeman? I see none.
In this 12-team playoff model, Notre Dame’s independence creates a clear advantage. Freeman’s no dummy. He sees it.
“We’re as well-positioned right now as anybody, we feel,” Freeman said on the podcast. “But, we can never put our program at a disadvantage for postseason play because we’re not in a conference. If that’s ever the case, I’m sure we’ll join a conference.”
In the meantime, bring on the hapless Catholics from Boston College.
For Marcus Freeman, could any job trump Notre Dame?
Pair Freeman with some NIL cash, and the Irish are disproving the notion they can’t lure the caliber of players necessary to pursue a national championship. His latest recruiting class notably outranks Kelly’s at LSU and includes commitments from three five-star prospects.
Freeman converted to Catholicism in 2022. He’s made for Notre Dame. He looks great in green, navy or gold. (OK, sure, he’d look great in any color.) Unless he’s just got some obsession with Cuban food we don’t know about, there’s simply no apparent reason for Freeman to bounce to Florida — or even Penn State, the top job available.
This side of the NFL, Ohio State is the only job that would make sense. Freeman’s alma mater enjoys incomparable resources. That seat’s occupied, though, by Ryan Day’s pursuit of college football’s next great dynasty.
Go ahead, Florida, and kick the tires, but Notre Dame offers Freeman something the Gators never could: a rivalry week showdown with mighty Stanford, with a playoff bid on the line.
Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s senior national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.