NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
While it may not be the hardware he had in mind, Marcus Freeman has added to his trophy case after a 14-2 season for Notre Dame football, one that ended with a berth in the College Football Playoff championship game.
On Wednesday night, Freeman was named the 2024 recipient of the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award. The 39-year-old coach is just the second Fighting Irish coach to win the award all-time, with the other being Lou Holtz in 1988. He received the award at a dinner in Houston on Wednesday.
REQUIRED READING: Reports: Notre Dame football loses DC Al Golden to NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals after three seasons
“I am humbled and honored to receive the award because of what it represents,” Freeman said in a statement. “Coach Bryant has always been the standard of college football coaches. Not only because of the six football national championships but more importantly because he was a leader on and off the field. He possessed the ability to inspire, the patience to teach, the gift of leadership. Coach Bryant often talked about a part of something bigger than himself. I am honored to be a part of Team Bryant to fight against heart disease and stroke.”
This is the third postseason award for Freeman, who was also named winner of the Dodd Trophy and George Munger College Coach of the Year awards.
Freeman orchestrated a historic season for Notre Dame, overcoming a Week 2 upset to Northern Illinois to finish as the College Football Playoff national runner-up. At 14-2 overall, the Irish set a new program record for most wins in a single season.
“What really makes this special is working with the young people I get the opportunity to lead,” added Freeman. “I got into coaching in January 2010 and I was diagnosed with an enlarged heart valve. My football career was over and I wanted to stay close to the game I grew up…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/notre-dames-marcus-freeman-wins-154955820.html
Author : South Bend Tribune
Publish date : 2025-01-23 15:49:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
