Marcus Freeman Leads Notre Dame to Championship Game

Following Notre Dame's 27-24 victory over Penn State in the Orange Bowl, head coach Marcus Freeman made history as the first Black coach to lead a team to the FBS national championship game. During a post-game interview, Freeman skillfully deflected an ESPN reporter's question about how his race influenced this achievement, emphasizing that the focus should remain on the team's success. He expressed hope that coaches of all backgrounds would continue to receive opportunities, stating, "This ain’t about me. This is about us." Freeman's leadership has transformed Notre Dame into a national contender since he took over in 2021, culminating in this championship appearance, the school's first since 2012. The game was marked by a controversial pass interference call but ultimately showcased Freeman's impact on the team. Social media reactions largely praised Freeman's response while criticizing the reporter's focus on race.