Marcus Freeman added another wrinkle to an already active NFL coaching rumor mill. The Notre Dame coach will address reporters on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after the Pittsburgh Steelers’ head coaching job came open.
Freeman will also face questions for the first time after the Irish were held out of the College Football Playoff. This comes amid growing speculation that his name could resurface in the Steelers’ search following Mike Tomlin’s decision to step down after Pittsburgh’s playoff loss to the Houston Texans.
Freeman has done little to reduce the chatter, instead reiterating his focus on Notre Dame while acknowledging the realities of the coaching carousel. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Freeman remains one of the defensive-minded coaches league executives continue to monitor, even after he previously reaffirmed his commitment to the Irish.
Fowler noted that Pittsburgh’s opening is the type of job that could force candidates to “revisit options,” particularly one as prestigious and stable as the Steelers.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini previously reported that Pittsburgh had internal interest in Freeman in past cycles, should Tomlin ever leave. That history has only fueled renewed speculation now that the franchise is officially searching for its next leader.
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Tomlin, who led the Steelers for 19 seasons without a single losing record, formally announced his departure earlier this week, calling it an “honor” to coach one of the NFL’s most storied organizations.
For now, Freeman remains Notre Dame’s coach. But as Pittsburgh begins evaluating candidates, Wednesday’s press conference ensured his name will continue to circulate in league circles.
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