An Open Letter from Marcus Freeman
To the Notre Dame Family,
And our fans near and far,
Also to the students, alumni, and every soul who calls this place home—
There comes a moment in every coach’s life when the privilege of leading transcends the game itself. Today, I write not just as the head football coach of Notre Dame, but as a man deeply humbled by the weight and wonder of what it means to wear this badge — this legacy — on my heart.
From the moment I stepped onto this sacred ground in South Bend, I felt it: the echo, the standard, the spirit. Notre Dame is not just a university. It is a beacon — of tradition, of excellence, of unwavering faith. It is a family forged not just in victories, but in virtue. And I want to say, with conviction and clarity: I am all in. For you. this. And for us.
This program, this team — we are building something bold. We’re not chasing comfort. We’re chasing greatness. Not only in how we play, but in how we live. We coach and compete with integrity, discipline, and love — because those are the pillars of Notre Dame, and they are the values I pledge to uphold, no matter the scoreboard.
To the students in the stands, singing with thunderous pride — you are our heartbeat. And to the alumni who wear the gold with grace across the globe — your example fuels our standard. Also to every fan who believes in this team through the highs and lows — your belief matters more than you know.
And to every young boy watching from afar, dreaming of one day running out of that tunnel under the golden dome — I see you. I was you.
The road ahead will demand everything of us. And that’s exactly why we will rise. Because Notre Dame does not back down. We stand up. We stand together. And we fight with faith, grit, and heart.
Thank you for walking this journey with me. Thank you for your trust, your passion, and your unshakable pride in the blue and gold.
Let’s keep building. Let’s keep believing.
With love and resolve,
Marcus Freeman
Head Coach, Notre Dame Football