Notre Dame Football: 3 realistic candidates to replace Clark Lea

Cincinnati Bearcats defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman high fives Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Tyler Scott (21) as he comes off the field following a special teams play in the fourth quarter during an NCAA college football game against the Army Black Knights, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Bearcats won 24-10.Army Black Knights At Cincinnati Bearcats Sept 26 /

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Cincinnati Bearcats defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman encourage the team during a college football game against the Connecticut Huskies, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.Connecticut Huskies At Cincinnati Bearcats Nov 9 /

1. Marcus Freeman, DC, Cincinnati

The overwhelming feeling among Notre Dame fans is that Marcus Freeman is going to be Brian Kelly’s top option. He’s one of the fastest-rising coordinators in the country and he’s been extremely loyal to Luke Fickell at Cincinnati over the past couple of years. Will that change with a program like Notre Dame coming calling?

I would venture to say yes.

If you’re an aspiring head coach, the only logical move would be going from a Group of Five defensive coordinator to that same position at a bigger program. There aren’t many bigger programs than Notre Dame and this would be a major career move for Freeman.

The former Ohio State linebacker who was drafted in 2009 by the Bears and played on a few practice squads before hanging the cleats up and picking up a whistle has been fantastic in Cincinnati with Fickell but it may be time for him to move on up.

If Kelly hired Freeman, he’d have probably the youngest offensive and defensive coordinator combos in the country. And the future would be incredibly bright.

Not only is this realistic, but it should be the move.

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