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While the Deion Sanders-to-the-NFL coaching rumors are just highly speculative "chit-chat" for now, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini , another popular college football head coach could soon find his name in the headlines. On Wednesday, NFL insider Tom Pelissero released his annual "young coaches to watch" list ahead of the 2025 NFL hiring cycle, which typically heats up in January after many losing teams' seasons wrap up. Among the 22 most notable names was Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, who was the only non-NFL coordinator to make Pelissero's primary list.
"A fifth-round draft pick of the Bears in 2009, Freeman never appeared in a regular-season game," Pelissero wrote. "But Freeman's story in pro football may not be written just yet. NFL teams have inquired about Freeman in recent years amidst his meteoric rise in coaching.
" MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images However, as Pelissero noted, the 38-year-old Freeman would need to be willing to entertain the idea of moving to the pros to justify his placement on the list. "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." Notre Dame, currently 9-1 and ranked No. 6 in the country, are in the thick of the College Football Playoff hunt this season.
Freeman and company have two regular season games left to play against No. 19 Army and USC. Related: Dan Lanning Earns Massive Bonus After Oregon Escapes Wisconsin Related: Terrell Owens' Big Career Move Aligns Him With Deion Sanders, Colorado Stars.
