Newsstand: Former NFL coach Jason Garrett applauds Notre Dame for extending Marcus Freeman

On Sunday night, NBC Sports broke the news that Marcus Freeman has signed a contract extension to remain Notre Dame football’s head coach for six more years.

The news emerged during NBC’s Sunday Night Football segment, which features commentator Jason Garrett. The former Dallas Cowboys head coach has broadcasted most of Notre Dame’s home football games over the last three seasons, giving him an in-depth look at the program.

Garrett used his insight to praise the Irish for their long-term decision to lock Freeman into the program.

“(Notre Dame) got it right,” Garrett said. “First off, I don’t like Marcus Freeman; I love Marcus Freeman. I think this guy is fantastic. He is an incredible leader for that program. Thirty wins in his first three years.

“He’s a young coach, connects with his players, but it’s an old school program. He’s getting the most out of them on the field and off the field.

“The Job he did leading that program after they lost to Northern Illinois in Week 2 and what they’ve done since then to position themselves — off the charts.”

Freeman’s contract makes him one of the highest-paid head coaches in all college football.

Notre Dame Posts of the Weekend

Marcus Freeman will call South Bend his long-term home. @NDFootball | #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/GcEZHWoeo9

— Notre Dame on NBC (@NDonNBC) December 16, 2024

The Freeman Era continues #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/qrhe4tROKH

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) December 16, 2024

Pro Football Focus analyst Max Chadwick predicts Irish running back Jeremiyah Love will be a Heisman Trophy finalist next season.

Way-too-early 2025 Heisman predictions

Winner: QB Arch Manning, Texas

Finalists:
– QB DJ Lagway, Florida
– WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
– RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

— Max Chadwick (@CFBMaxChadwick) December 15, 2024

Irish graduate student defensive lineman Howard Cross III remains invested in the classroom.

Howard Cross is in his 6 year at Notre Dame. He already has his masters degree.

And yet he’s still had 3 papers to do and he says his last final is set for tonight.

Funny stuff from the Irish defensive lineman about the joys of finals week at Notre Dame. pic.twitter.com/Lw9miXhipx

— Angelo Di Carlo (@angdicarlo) December 15, 2024

Irish women’s basketball sophomore Hannah Hidalgo led the program to a 118-49 victory over Eastern Michigan on Sunday.

Hannah Hidalgo today

• 27 points
• 6 STEALS
• 10/14 FG

Notre Dame wins! pic.twitter.com/YXGdiTrtFk

— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) December 15, 2024

Notre Dame Quote of the Weekend

“I am grateful for the support of the Board of Trustees, led by John Veihmeyer, President Fr. Bob Dowd, C.S.C., and Director of Athletics Pete Bevacqua.

“The investment they continue to pour into our program is invaluable to our student-athletes and staff. This commitment goes well beyond myself, as they are dedicated to ensuring all aspects of our program are competitive within the upper echelon of college football.”

— Freeman in a statement, commenting on his extension with the Notre Dame football program.