Notre Dame dropped a close game to Texas A&M on Saturday night in a contest the Fighting Irish should have won. The loss puts additional pressure on the program’s College Football Playoff hopes.
The Fighting Irish don’t face another ranked opponent on their remaining schedule. This scheduling reality could hurt Notre Dame’s playoff case, especially given past criticism of the program’s independent status.
Marcus Freeman’s program might have benefited from conference membership this season. If Notre Dame were in the ACC, winning the conference championship would likely secure a playoff spot. The ACC appears winnable outside of Miami, which defeated Notre Dame in the season opener.
Freeman led the Irish to the national championship game last season. That run earned him significant credit within the program.
Notre Dame now sits at 0-2 heading into next week’s matchup against Purdue.
The loss raises questions about Freeman’s long-term security, though any coaching change would be surprising given his recent extension and championship game appearance.
Contract and Financial Details
Notre Dame doesn’t release specific contract details as a private institution. Heather Dinich of ESPN reported in December 2024 that Freeman signed what’s believed to be a four-year extension.
“Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman has agreed to a long-term extension that will make him among the highest-paid coaches in the country, a Notre Dame official confirmed to ESPN on Sunday. It is believed to be a four-year extension that secures him for six more years in South Bend, according to a source. Freeman had two years remaining on his current deal.”
The extension keeps Freeman with the Irish for six more years total.
Freeman likely ranks among the highest-paid coaches nationally, though exact figures remain private. His buyout terms, if any exist, also haven’t been disclosed publicly.
The Irish face a critical stretch ahead. While they remain talented enough to compete with anyone in college football, the early losses have created a narrow path to the playoffs.
Notre Dame’s next opponent, Purdue, represents a below-average team that should provide an opportunity to get back on track. The AP Poll rankings released this week will offer insight into how voters view the Irish after two tough defeats.
