For decades, Notre Dame football has carried a polarizing reputation in college sports. To some, the Fighting Irish symbolize tradition, excellence, and nostalgia; to others, they represent arrogance, entitlement, and an outdated sense of self-importance. It’s a program that’s always been easier to respect than to root for. But under Marcus Freeman, the landscape has shifted, and Notre Dame might have achieved something almost as rare as a national championship: they’ve become likable.
That transformation starts with Freeman himself. The 37-year-old head coach has brought a refreshing humility and relatability to a program long defined by its larger-than-life aura. Freeman doesn’t walk into press conferences with the self-assured swagger of coaches past, nor does he lean on Notre Dame’s storied history as a crutch. Instead, he carries himself as a man of the moment—a coach who acknowledges the weight of the program’s legacy but is more concerned with connecting with his players, staff, and fans in the present.
The Freeman Effect: Relating to Players and Fans
Freeman’s approachability has been his most striking attribute since taking over as head coach. Unlike many of his predecessors, who leaned heavily on Notre Dame’s mystique, Freeman has focused on fostering relationships. Whether it’s sitting down with players to talk about life outside of football or embracing his role as a father figure to his team, Freeman has created a culture of trust and authenticity.
This authenticity has extended to fans as well. Notre Dame has long been accused of being aloof—an ivory tower program with its nose in the air. Freeman, however, has shattered that perception. His social media presence, candid interviews, and genuine enthusiasm for the game have made him one of the most relatable figures in college football.
Fans who once loved to hate Notre Dame now find themselves admiring Freeman’s journey. His rise from an unheralded assistant to the head of one of the most iconic programs in the sport feels earned. And his ability to connect with players on a human level, while still demanding excellence on the field, is a breath of fresh air in an era dominated by business-first coaching mentalities.
Winning Without Arrogance
The biggest challenge for any Notre Dame coach is to win without feeding the narrative of arrogance. Freeman has managed to thread that needle. Under his leadership, the Irish play with passion but avoid the “holier-than-thou” demeanor that has alienated fans in the past.
Freeman’s Notre Dame is not about riding the coattails of past glories or relying on an air of inevitability. Instead, it’s a team that works hard, fights for every inch, and plays with a chip on its shoulder—traits that resonate with blue-collar football fans across the country.
This approach has made Notre Dame’s success under Freeman feel fresh and earned, rather than a continuation of an old dynasty. Fans can root for this version of the Irish without feeling like they’re feeding into an institution that already has enough accolades to last a lifetime.
Changing the Narrative
Marcus Freeman’s tenure at Notre Dame isn’t just about winning football games; it’s about rewriting the program’s story. For so long, Notre Dame has been a program people love to hate. Freeman has given them a reason to be loved instead.
Whether it’s his genuine connection to his players, his humility in the face of massive expectations, or his ability to keep the Irish competitive while maintaining an underdog spirit, Freeman has made Notre Dame a team that fans can rally behind—even if they never thought they’d see the day.
And maybe that’s the most significant win of all. In a sport driven by rivalries, egos, and tribalism, Freeman has turned one of the most divisive programs in history into a team that’s not only respected but admired. Winning a title would cement his place in Notre Dame lore, but he’s already accomplished something almost as improbable: he’s made the Fighting Irish impossible to hate.