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Notre Dame Football: 5 early candidates to replace Brian Kelly

By Connor Muldowney

Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Luke Fickell leads the Cincinnati Bearcats onto the field to warm up before the NCAA football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Murray State Racers on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.Murray State Racers At Cincinnati Bearcats
Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Luke Fickell leads the Cincinnati Bearcats onto the field to warm up before the NCAA football game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Murray State Racers on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.Murray State Racers At Cincinnati Bearcats /
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Oct 2, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish Defensive Coordinator Marcus Freeman signals to his players in the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish Defensive Coordinator Marcus Freeman signals to his players in the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame DC

Marcus Freeman might not get a ton of attention early on in Notre Dame’s coaching search, but the first-year defensive coordinator has been a godsend for the Irish defense. He’s replaced Clark Lea impressively and it just feels like he has the energy and players love him. He will absolutely be a head coach someday at a major program, so why not Notre Dame now?

The Irish are going to probably interview a few current assistant coaches just to cover their bases and I think Freeman has to be the current top option on the staff.

At 35 years old, Freeman is a young, energetic coach which is exactly what seems to excel in college football these days. Plus, he would likely be in charge for quite some time and longevity is usually a huge selling point for recruits. If Freeman can prove that he can win in South Bend, he could build a dynasty there.

Freeman learned a lot in one year from Brian Kelly and maybe the Notre Dame head coach brought him on board in hopes of having him eventually be his replacement down the line.

A great defensive mind, solid recruiter, and a players coach, Freeman has to be one of the top options to replace Kelly.

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