Notre Dame out-recruited LSU and Texas in pursuit of the hottest prospect in the 2021 offseason by hiring defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman away from Cincinnati on Friday. Freeman had been with the Bearcats for four seasons.
“As we looked into finding someone to run our defense, it was important to find the right fit for our program and Marcus and his family are just that,” Irish head coach Brian Kelly said. “He has had great success on the field, both running a defense and in his direct work with his linebackers. Additionally, he is considered among the elite recruiters in the coaching ranks.