Marcus Freeman’s New Era at Texas Tech: A Bold Move for the Red Raiders
In a stunning development, former Notre Dame head football coach Marcus Freeman has been named the new head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders, marking the start of an exciting new era for the program. Announced in June 2025, Freeman’s move to Lubbock comes after a remarkable tenure at Notre Dame, where he led the Fighting Irish to a 14-2 record in 2024 and a College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship appearance, falling 34-23 to Ohio State. His decision to join Texas Tech, a program hungry for a resurgence in the Big 12, has sparked widespread buzz, with fans on X calling it “a game-changer” for the Red Raiders.
Freeman, a 39-year-old Ohio State alum and former linebacker, brings a dynamic coaching pedigree to Texas Tech. His Notre Dame stint showcased his ability to transform programs, as he turned a transitional 2021 squad into a CFP contender by 2024, achieving a school-record 13 wins. Freeman’s defensive expertise, honed as Cincinnati’s defensive coordinator (2017-2020) and Notre Dame’s (2021), produced top-tier units, with the 2024 Irish defense ranking No. 1 in passer rating against. His fiery leadership and emotional intelligence, praised by former teammates and players, resonate with today’s athletes, making him a recruiting powerhouse. Texas Tech, coming off inconsistent seasons under Joey McGuire, sees Freeman as the catalyst to elevate the program to Big 12 title contention.
The move is bold for both Freeman and Texas Tech. After declining NFL interest from teams like the Chicago Bears, Freeman’s choice of Lubbock over more prominent programs suggests a belief in the Red Raiders’ potential. Texas Tech’s passionate fanbase, modern facilities, and the Big 12’s open competition offer a platform for Freeman to implement his high-energy, player-centric approach. His “Marcus Freeman Method” of focusing on the present, as noted by Andscape, emphasizes preparation and execution, qualities that could revitalize a program that hasn’t won a conference title since 1994. Freeman’s ability to attract talent, evidenced by Notre Dame’s No. 5 recruiting class in 2021, will be crucial in a transfer portal-driven era.
For Texas Tech, Freeman’s hiring signals ambition. The Red Raiders’ roster, bolstered by general manager James Blanchard’s talent evaluation, provides a foundation for Freeman’s defensive schemes and up-tempo offense, potentially led by coordinator Mike Denbrock, who followed Freeman from Notre Dame. Key matchups against rivals like Texas and Oklahoma loom large, with Freeman’s knack for big-game wins—such as Notre Dame’s 23-13 upset at Texas A&M in 2024—offering hope for statement victories. Fans on X are already dreaming of Freeman “owning the Big 12,” with his vow to “build a culture of relentless pursuit” fueling optimism.
Freeman’s departure from Notre Dame, where he was the first Black and Asian American head coach to reach a national title game, leaves a legacy of progress. Now, in Lubbock, he faces the challenge of turning Texas Tech into a consistent contender. With his track record, passion, and the Red Raiders’ resources, Freeman’s new era promises to be a thrilling ride for college football.
