The college football world was rocked on June 13, 2025, by the stunning announcement that Marcus Freeman, former head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, has been named the new head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, succeeding Kirby Smart. This seismic shift, reported by ESPN, marks a new era for Georgia, a program synonymous with dominance under Smart’s decade-long tenure. Freeman’s appointment follows his remarkable 2024 season at Notre Dame, where he led the Irish to a 14-2 record and a National Championship Game appearance, cementing his reputation as one of the sport’s brightest coaching stars.
Freeman, 39, brings a dynamic resume to Athens. A former Ohio State linebacker and defensive coordinator at Cincinnati, he transformed Notre Dame’s defense before taking the helm in 2021. His 33-10 record with the Irish, including a 23-10 upset over Georgia in the 2025 Sugar Bowl, showcased his tactical acumen and ability to outmaneuver elite opponents, notably Smart himself. That victory, where Freeman’s 11-man substitution ploy led to a critical offsides penalty, highlighted his strategic edge. His hiring signals Georgia’s intent to maintain its status as a national powerhouse while injecting fresh energy into the program.
The move comes after Smart’s reported departure, following his rejection of $7.5 million offers from Michigan and Notre Dame to stay loyal to Georgia. Speculation swirled that Smart, with a 104-22 record and two national titles, might have been lured by an NFL opportunity or stepped away for personal reasons, though details remain scarce. Freeman’s appointment ends weeks of uncertainty, with Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks praising his “proven leadership, recruiting prowess, and alignment with Bulldog values.”
Freeman inherits a Georgia roster brimming with talent, including five-star 2026 commit Isaiah Horton, whose recent flip to the Bulldogs underscores the program’s recruiting allure. Freeman’s defensive expertise, honed under mentors like Luke Fickell, will bolster Georgia’s already formidable unit, which ranked No. 5 in scoring defense in 2023. His ability to develop NFL-caliber players, like Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts, bodes well for stars like Jalon Walker, the 2024 Butkus Award winner. Offensively, Freeman’s experience with quarterback Riley Leonard at Notre Dame could guide Georgia’s Jared Curtis, a five-star 2026 prospect, to new heights.
The transition raises questions. Freeman’s 2024 Notre Dame squad thrived on physicality and discipline, but adapting to the SEC’s grind will test his mettle. Georgia fans, accustomed to Smart’s championship pedigree, will expect immediate results. Meanwhile, Notre Dame faces a coaching void, with names like Tommy Rees and Glenn Schumann circulating as potential replacements. Freeman’s departure also intensifies the rivalry narrative, given his Sugar Bowl triumph over Georgia.
As Freeman steps into Sanford Stadium, his youth, charisma, and defensive genius promise to sustain Georgia’s dominance. “The Legend of 34” documentary, celebrating Herschel Walker, premieres soon, but Freeman is poised to write his own chapter in Bulldog lore, blending tradition with a bold new vision.
