It appears there’s no credible report that Marcus Freeman—Notre Dame’s head coach—is officially headed to Alabama. In fact, all recent reputable sources, including ESPN, Forbes, and Fox Sports, continue to describe Freeman as firmly established at Notre Dame:
He signed a long-term contract extension in December 2024, tying him to Notre Dame through at least six more seasons .
Under his leadership, the Fighting Irish have consistently contended at the highest levels—winning bowl games, reaching the College Football Playoff, and earning him national and coach-of-the-year honors .
There’s been no announcement from either Notre Dame or Alabama suggesting he’s leaving, nor have major outlets like ESPN, AP, or The Athletic reported such a move.
It’s possible this is a rumor or confusion, perhaps linked to Alabama’s own recent coaching shake-up. Their former coach, Kalen DeBoer, transitioned in 2024—prompting chatter about new names across college football—but Marcus Freeman’s name has not surfaced in that context .
What We Do Know About Marcus Freeman’s Future
He’s under contract with Notre Dame through at least 2030, following the 2024 extension .
His coaching tenure improved the Irish program dramatically: by 2024, they posted a 14–2 record, appeared in the College Football Playoff National Championship, and earned him the prestigious Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award .
At just 39 years old, he’s now part of a new wave of young, successful head coaches earning national attention .
Why the Rumor Might Be Spreading
Alabama often dominates college football headlines, especially after Nick Saban’s retirement and new coach transitions like Kalen DeBoer’s. Speculation sometimes swirls about top African-American coaches—such as Freeman or Penn State’s James Franklin—potentially filling the role . But no official offer or acceptance has been made.
Bottom Line
There’s no truth to an “official” move of Marcus Freeman to Alabama.
He remains Notre Dame’s head coach, contractually bound and performing at a high level.
If or when anything changes—such as Alabama extending a formal offer or Freeman announcing a move—it will be widely covered by major sports outlets like ESPN, the AP, and others.
