Marcus Freeman, head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, has openly discussed the role of faith in his life and his team's journey to the College Football Playoff National Championship. Freeman, who converted to Catholicism in 2022, reinstated the tradition of pregame Mass, a practice he admired even before joining Notre Dame.
Freeman's journey to Catholicism began shortly after he took the helm at Notre Dame. He arrived in 2021 as the defensive coordinator under Brian Kelly, but when Kelly departed for LSU, Freeman chose to remain. His promotion to head coach marked a turning point, both for the team and for his personal faith journey. He worked closely with the team chaplain, Father Nate Wills, and formally joined the Catholic Church in 2022.
The revival of pregame Mass holds special significance for Freeman. He recalled witnessing the tradition as a high school recruit and being impressed by the team's reverence. Bringing back this practice was a priority for him as head coach, reflecting his growing faith and the importance he places on spiritual guidance.
Freeman's faith resonates with his players, including quarterback Riley Leonard, a transfer from Duke University. Leonard has spoken about his belief that God guided him to Notre Dame. He described praying for guidance and receiving an offer from Notre Dame the following day, reinforcing his faith and commitment to the team.
Freeman emphasizes the importance of faith, not just in Catholicism, but in believing in something greater than oneself. He fosters an environment where players are encouraged to explore their spirituality and find strength in their beliefs. This emphasis on faith is evident in team Bible studies and the coach's own openness about his spiritual journey. As Freeman leads Notre Dame, his faith remains a central theme, embodying the university's motto: "God, Country, Notre Dame, In Glory Everlasting."
