In December 2024, Freeman’s contract was extended for four more years, with an average annual salary exceeding $9 million. This extension came as a reward for his impressive performance, leading Notre Dame to a 29-9 record over three seasons, including two bowl wins and a College Football Playoff berth.

Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman has picked up his second award of the season ahead of the Irish's Orange Bowl game vs. Penn State.

Marcus Freeman isn’t ready for Notre Dame to lose its NCAA independence. But if the ongoing changes taking place in college football ultimately force the Fighting Irish to join a Power conference, the fourth-year Notre Dame head coach knows his squad will “make it work.