The Chicago Bears continue to search for a head coach to lead the team into 2025. The list of interview candidates features multiple names, including a coach currently leading a team in the college football playoffs.
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According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the Bears want to interview Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman. The third-year coach is a little busy at the moment considering that the Fighting Irish are heading to a battle with the Ohio State Buckeyes. The winner will end the season as the national champion.
"Obviously, unlikely that he would entertain NFL overtures prior to that game — a week from (Monday) — against Ohio State," Pelissero said.
"But the Bears have done extensive research for months on Marcus Freeman. He's only 39 years old, it would not be a shock if at some point he considers going to the NFL."
Freeman became the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the end of the 2021 season. Head coach Brian Kelly left the team before the Fiesta Bowl so he could join the LSU Tigers.
Freeman was promoted to full-time head coach in 2022. He led Notre Dame to a 9-4 record. The team then went 10-3 in 2023. This season, Notre Dame is 14-1 so far. The team can reach 15-1 on the season by defeating Ohio State.
The Notre Dame coach already has ties to the Chicago Bears. The NFC North team used a fifth-round pick to select him out of Ohio State in the 2009 NFL Draft. He did not make the final roster.
Freeman had brief stints with the Bills and Texans during the 2009 season but did not appear in a regular-season game. He ultimately retired in 2010 due to a medical issue.
While the Bears want to interview Freeman, this is unlikely to take place before the national championship game. For now, the NFC North team will move forward with the other candidates on the list.
This group includes Ron Rivera, who the Bears interviewed during wild-card weekend. It also features Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, and Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
