New comments from head coach Marcus Freeman make it seem like an exit from Notre Dame to a team in the NFL is no longer a matter of if, but when.
One of the big stories in football late last year was Freeman's flirtation with the NFL. During his five seasons in South Bend, the 40-year-old has emerged as one of the best coaches in the country and has a trip to the championship game on his resume. Understandably, his impressive success in his first head coach role got the attention of NFL executives.
As teams around the league looked at potential candidates for their head coach openings in December, Freeman was linked to several jobs, including with the New York Giants . It started to seem like leaving Notre Dame for a pro job was a real possibility. However, late in the month, Freeman proclaimed he was going nowhere and actually got a new deal from the university .
Nevertheless, there have still been rumblings that sooner than later, the draw of being an NFL coach will be too much, and he will leave the Fighting Irish high and dry. During a new interview this week, Freeman did not ease the fears of Notre Dame fans concerned that an exit is coming.
On Thursday, Freeman told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo , "never say never" on the idea of jumping to the NFL, and that he does "daydream" about the idea with some regularity. Furthermore, he admitted that when he had introductory conversations with teams in December, he used it as a way to find out what franchises and executives are looking for from prospective head coaches.
"If there's a time and opportunity that's right, we'll see what the future holds," said Freeman. However, he did say he feels he has "the best job in America" and feels fulfilled in his role.
Unfortunately for Notre Dame fans, many great coaches have said the same while leading various top programs around the country, and all left. Fighting Irish fans need to enjoy and appreciate Freeman while they have him, because a move to the NFL is going to happen; it is just about how long it takes.
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