speculation about it Marcus Freeman The legitimate interest in becoming the next permanent head coach of the Chicago Bears, or perhaps heading home to Ohio State if that head coaching job became available in the coming weeks, always felt more like fantasy or fantasy than reality.

That is, when you heard Freeman talk about the recent investments Notre Dame has continued to make around the third-year Irish head coach and the football program.

On Sunday, the ND powers took another step.

With Freeman himself.

At ND Sports was able to confirm reports from NBC and ESPN that Freeman has signed a four-year contract extension that makes him one of the highest-paid coaches in college. Along with the remaining two years of his first contract signed three Decembers ago, Freeman is now under contract through the 2030 season.

“I am grateful for the support of the Board of Trustees led by John VeihmeyerPresident Fr. Bob DowdCSC and Director of Athletics Pete Bevacqua“Freeman said in a statement on Sunday evening. “The investment they continue to make in our program is invaluable to our student-athletes and staff.

“This commitment extends far beyond myself as they are committed to ensuring that all aspects of our program are competitive in the upper echelon of college football.”

Exact financial terms were not disclosed.

The Ohio State graduate, who turns 39 next month, has gone 30-9 as ND’s head coach since being named defensive coordinator in December 2021 and has been successful Brian Kelly. The Irish (11-1), ranked fifth and seventh, host 10th-seeded Indiana (11-1) in a College Football Playoff first-round game Friday night at Notre Dame Stadium.

Among the supporters Freeman credits with making the ND job so attractive to him is the Jack and Kathy Shields Family Halla 150,000 square meter soccer facility announced in April that is scheduled to open in fall 2026 and is currently under construction.

But there is also philosophical support, such as the possibility of the Irish being competitive in the NIL space, such as a media rights agreement negotiated this year that keeps Notre Dame financially on par with the Big Ten and SEC when it comes to competing for Assistant trainers and funding goes to facilities.

And the extension of their head coach. And hiring and retaining two of the best coordinators in college football Mike Denbrock (insulting) and AlGolden (defense) or last winter.

It’s about finding a middle ground when it comes to admissions and the transfer portal, expanding the pool in which Freeman and his staff can sift through and pursue prospects without compromising the school’s larger academic mission.

And what motivates Freeman most now is what he did the day he was announced as Kelly’s successor three years ago.

“My current and former players, you are my ‘why,’” Freeman said at a press conference on December 6, 2021. “You are my motivation. You are the reason I get up every day and work as hard as I can to help you achieve all your goals. Seeing you all set a goal and achieve a dream inspires me every day to do what I do.”

In the same press conference environment, super senior nose guard Kurt Hinish Let the college football world know that the feeling is mutual.

“He cares more about you as a person than as a player,” said the current Irish D-lineman’s older brother Donovan Hinsh and one of seven Irish captains who told the then sporting director bluntly Jack Swarbrickin order not to “mess up” the search for a trainer.

“When you see something like that,” Hinish continued, “it means a lot to you because in this industry you don’t see something like that very often.”