There’s a history of Cincinnati influence in South Bend, including Kelly, who spent three seasons with the Bearcats before taking the Notre Dame job. A year before Kelly poached Freeman, he hired Bearcats defensive backs coach Mike Mickens, a Cincinnati alum who was a teammate of Freeman’s at Wayne High School outside of Dayton.

Last week, at a news conference before the College Football Playoff semifinals, Penn State coach James Franklin turned to his counterpart, Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, and asked a question. “How old are you now,

Say Marcus Freeman does take an NFL job. Who are the first calls you make to find his replacement at Notre Dame?

Is Marcus Freeman a candidate for the Chicago Bears opening? Here's everything to know about the NFL rumors surrounding Notre Dame's head coach:

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is trying to end a national championship drought for the Fighting Irish that dates back to when he was a toddler. Freeman, 39, was 2 years old when Lou Holtz led Notre Dame to its most recent title in the 1988 season.

One of the greatest linebackers to ever play football is incredibly impressed with Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame.

TSU's Eddie George and Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman became closer friends after their teams played each other and both are now enjoying success

Entering the season, Freeman was essentially nowhere to be found on national lists. What a change he has made for both the Irish and himself.

Notre Dame football head coach Marcus Freeman keeps receiving praise. Brian Urlacher is the latest to compliment his abilities.