Marcus Freeman considers how he grew in second preseason as head coach

Marcus Freeman‘s first season as Notre Dame‘s head coach was a bumpy ride. Along the way, Freeman learned a few lessons from his lumps.

“Last year, I had a blueprint based on other individuals’ experiences being a head coach, right? I gathered my own ideas but I’d never done it,” Freeman said. “This year you can make enhancements based off your own personal experience.

“What I’ve done, really, is say, ‘OK, what things that I learned from being a head coach last year, what ways can you enhance and give your players a better chance to perform at the level we need them to?’ So, there’s no substitute for experience.”

Freeman’s experience was a rollercoaster last season. The Fighting Irish began the 2022 campaign with back-to-back losses, falling to Ohio State and Marshall. Instantly, Freeman was hit with adversity. Instantly, Freeman responded.

Notre Dame bounced back, posting nine wins in its remaining 11 contests. The team’s impressive season was capped off by a victory over a high-riding South Carolina squad in the Gator Bowl. Freeman believes last season’s lessons have helped him bring an even more intense focus to this preseason.

“The intentionality of how we practice has been big,” Freeman said. “Everything we do is to give our players the best chance to succeed. If we’re not doing that, then shame on us, right? That’s what we got to continue to focus on.

“We all might have different opinions in terms of how to make sure this team’s prepared. We utilize our thoughts and opinions but, ultimately, everybody in that room — we want to make sure our players are able to perform at the highest level possible on those 12 guaranteed opportunities that they have.”

Marcus Freeman has new help in his second season

One of those opinions will carry more weight than usual this season. This offseason, Notre Dame elevated former tight ends coach Gerard Parker to offensive coordinator. In the spring, Freeman had nothing but good things to say about Parker’s offense.

“I think it’s constant enhancement,” Freeman said of the offense under Parker. “‘Challenge everything’ is one of our mantras, and what you’ve seen is Coach Parker challenge everything. Our offensive staff has continued to grow together. Really liking the things I’ve seen on the offensive side of the ball.”

Fans won’t have to idle in anticipation much longer to see Freeman in his second season behind the wheel. Notre Dame and Navy will kick off the college football season in a matchup in Dublin, Ireland, on Aug. 26.

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