Urban Meyer Advises Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman After Playoff Elimination

Notre Dame’s hopes for the College Football Playoff have come to an end, and Urban Meyer, a prominent figure in college football, is urging head coach Marcus Freeman to stay focused. Meyer, who has a storied yet tumultuous coaching career—especially his NFL stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars—achieved considerable success with both the Florida Gators and Ohio State Buckeyes, winning three national championships.

During an interview with Colin Cowherd, Meyer emphasized the benefits of remaining in college football. He mentioned, “You’re 100 percent staying in college… As a head coach in college, you have control over your program, unlike in the NFL where factors like the general manager or owner can be overwhelming. In college football, it’s your show.” It’s a strong endorsement for Freeman, who is still finding his footing as a head coach.

That said, Meyer might have some bias here, seeing that his NFL experience was far from stellar. His time with the Jaguars ended abruptly in 2021, marked by a dismal 2-11 record and numerous controversies, including a player altercation and negative public incidents. Since then, he hasn’t returned to coaching but remains respected for his college achievements, holding a remarkable record of 187-32.

Moreover, Meyer pointed out the challenges of the NFL, stating, “You’re going to lose in the NFL,” suggesting that losing can be hard for coaches like Freeman and himself to bear. Still, he believes Freeman can succeed at Notre Dame, as the Fighting Irish are likely to be favored in most of their matchups.

Freeman, meanwhile, is attracting attention from the NFL, particularly the New York Giants, as they look for a coach who can build a solid foundation with their young players.

The Fighting Irish’s recent season had its share of ups and downs. After a shaky start with two losses to top teams, Miami and Texas A&M, they bounced back with ten consecutive victories. However, they were ultimately not selected for the playoffs this year, with teams like James Madison, Tulane, Miami, and Alabama making the cut.

Last season, Notre Dame faced Ohio State in the national championship game, but they missed the chance to repeat that experience this year.