$54 million head coach predicted to leave major college football program for NFL job

Notre Dame concluded the 2025 regular season with a 10–2 record, recovering from an initial 0–2 start with ten consecutive victories. Despite this strong performance, the team was controversially excluded from the 12-team College Football Playoff, as the CFP committee chose Miami for an at-large spot instead. This decision led to frustration from Notre Dame's leadership, resulting in the program's decision to opt out of postseason play.

Athletic director Pete Bevacqua expressed dissatisfaction with the CFP's decision and reiterated his support for head coach Marcus Freeman. Freeman, who became head coach in December 2021, has been linked to potential NFL head-coaching opportunities, including with the New York Giants, who dismissed head coach Brian Daboll after a poor season start.

Freeman, a former Ohio State linebacker, has amassed a 43–12 record over five seasons at Notre Dame, achieving three consecutive double-digit win seasons and a national championship game appearance in 2024. His success