Major college football coach emerges as top candidate for NFL opening

Marcus Freeman is expected to emerge as a top candidate in the New York Giants’ head coaching search, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

The Giants fired Brian Daboll after a 2-8 start to the season, with offensive coordinator Mike Kafka elevated to interim head coach. New York has continued to struggle since the change, entering the final weeks of the season with a 2-12 record. 

The organization is expected to begin formal interviews after the season concludes and cast a wide net that includes NFL assistants, veteran coaches and select college candidates

Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman is expected to be a top candidate for the Giants HC position, per @MikeGarafolo. pic.twitter.com/mx4fDybzAM

“Marcus Freeman mentioned as a guy that should be in their coaching search,” Garafolo reported. “Yes, that is the case and I expect him to be the foremost among the college candidates.”

Garafolo noted the Giants are expected to explore several defensive-minded options, as well as experienced coaches from around the league. With many of the NFL’s top offensive coaches tied up with play-calling responsibilities, the offensive candidate pool is viewed as limited this cycle.

Freeman, 39, has quickly built one of college football’s strongest resumes at Notre Dame. He led the Fighting Irish to a 10-2 record in 2025, rebounding from an 0-2 start with 10 consecutive wins. Notre Dame narrowly missed the College Football Playoff as the first team out in a controversial decision by the selection committee.

The previous season, Freeman guided the Irish to the national championship game, where they fell to Ohio State. Since taking over the program in 2021, which was his first head coaching job at any level, Freeman has compiled a 38-10 record, including a 5-2 mark in postseason play.

Notre Dame opted out of a bowl game following the 2025 season, citing a focus on the future. With Freeman’s profile continuing to rise, the Giants appear to make him a priority as they search for their next head coach.

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