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College Football: 10 assistants who will become head coaches in 2021

By Dante Pryor

NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 28: Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch observers warm ups before the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Red Raiders 55-16. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 28: Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch observers warm ups before the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Red Raiders 55-16. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 23: A Cincinnati Bearcats helmet on the sidelines during the game against the Temple Owls at Nippert Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 23: A Cincinnati Bearcats helmet on the sidelines during the game against the Temple Owls at Nippert Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

2. Marcus Freeman, Cincinnati (DC)

Cincinnati defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Marcus Freeman is the lone Group of Five representative on this list, but he is rising through the coaching ranks quickly. It would not be a shocker if he was promoted to head coach if current head coach Luke Fickell bolts for a Power Five program.

Freeman — much like Clark Lea — has made his bones coaching linebackers. A former Ohio State standout linebacker, he has proven that he can coach at places not necessarily known for being defensive juggernauts.

Freeman began coaching linebackers at Kent State in 2011 and two of his guys were All-MAC selections. This was on a team that finished 5-7. Kent State is not exactly a football powerhouse either.

After leaving the Golden Flashes, Freeman followed head coach Darrell Hazell to Purdue where he did a fantastic job with an underwhelming group of linebackers. Now as the Bearcats’ defensive coordinator, he is at the helm of one of the best defensive units in the Group of Five.

If they have another great season, Freeman might get a call. It might be from the Bearcats if Fickell gets a Power Five job.

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