Notre Dame Football Head Coach Marcus Freeman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to make history as the first Black head coach to win a national championship.

Jan 2, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman arrives at the Superdome before the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Freeman emphasized that “color shouldn’t matter” and highlighted the importance of letting work speak for itself.

Notre Dame will face Penn State in the College Football Championship semifinal after a commanding win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on Thursday.

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The victory, regarded as one of the program’s biggest since the late 1980s, has propelled Freeman’s team into the national spotlight.

Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin reacts against the Boise State Broncos in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

During a press conference ahead of next Thursday’s game, Freeman reflected on the significance of the milestone. “It’s a reminder that you are a representation for many others and many of our players that look the same way I do,” Freeman said. “Your color shouldn’t matter. And the evidence of your work should.”

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Notre Dame’s return to prominence under Freeman’s leadership marks a dramatic shift for a program that has struggled to secure wins in high-profile games over the past decade.

The Irish were routed by Alabama in the 2012 National Championship and fell 30-3 to Clemson in the 2018 College Football Playoff semifinals.

Freeman’s team, however, has reignited hope with their stunning performance against the highly regarded Georgia Bulldogs.

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Beyond his on-field success, Freeman has worked to reestablish Notre Dame’s Catholic traditions, including the return of pregame Mass.

The practice, a longstanding part of Notre Dame’s history, was discontinued under former Head Coach Brian Kelly, who led the program from 2010 to 2021.

Freeman, who converted to Catholicism in 2022, described his decision to reintroduce Mass in an interview with the National Catholic Register. “I remember as a recruit, seeing the players walking out of the Basilica, from Mass to the stadium. And I thought it was something that was always done,” Freeman said.

“When I became the head coach, I didn’t want to change that back. My reason is because I think back to being a player and you’re so vulnerable those three, four hours before a game.”

Freeman explained the significance of the tradition, adding, “What better time to go and have Mass? What better time to be as close to God as you can?”

Freeman’s leadership has reinvigorated the Notre Dame football program.

His ability to connect with players, combined with his commitment to tradition and faith, has resonated both on and off the field.

The coach’s journey from player to head coach has also provided inspiration to many, especially as he now stands on the brink of making history.

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The upcoming championship game represents not only a shot at glory for Notre Dame but also a chance to break barriers in college football.

For Freeman, the moment is about more than a single game; it’s about proving that results, not race, define success.