Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman’s parents, Michael and Chong, have been together for over five decades and have contributed to their son’s career as a player and coach.
Before becoming head coach, Freeman worked as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 2021.
His coaching career included stops at several other universities, including Cincinnati, Purdue, Kent State, and Ohio State.
As a player, Freeman attended Ohio State for his college football career.
His rise to prominence is strongly influenced by his upbringing and the remarkable story of his parents, Michael and Chong Freeman.
Marcus Freeman’s Parents Met While Stationed At Osan Air Base In South Korea
Marcus Freeman’s parents’ story began overseas. His father, Michael Freeman, an Ohio native, joined the Air Force after high school and was stationed at the Osan Air Base in South Korea.
It was there that he met Chong, a native of Daegu, South Korea. They married in 1977 and relocated to the United States, settling in Texas.
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the amazing Moms out there, today we celebrate you! I’m especially grateful for these two special women—my wife, Joanna, and my Mom! pic.twitter.com/Q1MwhGOBst
— Marcus Freeman (@Marcus_Freeman1) May 14, 2023
Chong worked at Texas Instruments and learned English while raising their family during Michael’s deployment to Turkey.
Freeman’s upbringing in a multicultural household shaped his worldview.
Happy Mother’s Day to my wife, Joanna, my Mom and all of the mothers out there! pic.twitter.com/K7JX3xiv5f
— Marcus Freeman (@Marcus_Freeman1) May 8, 2022
According to him,
“My father’s African American, and my mother’s Korean. Growing up, I didn’t fully appreciate the diversity of my background,”
Via University Of Notre Dame
As he matured, he embraced his heritage, recognizing how it influenced his identity and values.
Marcus Freeman Transitioned From a Standout Linebacker at Ohio State To Coaching Roles
Born on January 10, 1986, in Ohio, Marcus Freeman quickly found his passion for football.
A standout at Ohio State, he played as a linebacker and was later drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
Although his professional playing career was brief, it laid the groundwork for his transition into coaching.
After stints at Ohio State, Purdue, Kent State, and Cincinnati, Freeman joined Notre Dame in 2021 as defensive coordinator before being named head coach.
Freeman’s position as Notre Dame’s head coach carries significance beyond wins and losses.
In a sport where diversity among leadership has historically been limited, his journey is inspiring.
Underscoring the importance of representation, he said,
“That’s the coach I’ve always been, and I’m going to stay true to that. These kids today are so smart.”
Via The Players Tribune
Since taking over as head coach, Freeman has worked to rebuild Notre Dame into a powerhouse.
The team’s 2023 and 2024 seasons reflect his leadership, with remarkable comebacks and playoff runs.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Marcus Freeman attended Wayne High School in Ohio, where he was a standout football player.
- His impressive high school career included over 150 tackles in his junior year and 127 tackles with multiple sacks and forced fumbles as a senior.
- Freeman earned All-Ohio honors twice and was named a Parade All-American.
- Marcus married his college sweetheart Joanna Herncane in 2010, and they are parents to six children: Vinny, Sienna, Gino, Nico, Capri, and Rocco.