The Tennessee Titans appear enthusiastic about plucking a brand new head coach from the faculty ranks.
Earlier than HC Lane Kiffin went from Ole Miss to LSU, the Titans have been linked to him. It was additionally reported that Texas HC Steve Sarkisian contacted the group, which he has since denied. Now, the franchise is reportedly eyeing one other faculty coach: Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, who guided the Preventing Irish to the nationwide championship within the 2024 season.
“Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman’s title has been closely circulated in latest weeks,” wrote ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler in a narrative printed Wednesday. “Here is what I do know. Sure, the Giants are anticipated to have curiosity in him when the carousel kicks off. However the Titans have accomplished their analysis, too. And so have just a few groups that may both have a gap or probably may have one.”
Would hiring Marcus Freeman be a good suggestion for the Titans?
Fowler famous Freeman, who has a 43-12 report in 5 seasons at Notre Dame, will decide if he desires to go to the NFL over the following few weeks. If he jumps to the professionals and takes the Titans job, it might make a splash however increase questions.
Most faculty coaches flop within the league. See three-time nationwide champion City Meyer, who went 2-11 in 13 video games with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the course of the 2021 season earlier than being fired. Many were happy to see the previous Florida/Ohio State HC go.
Nonetheless, 39-year-old Freeman must be higher capable of join with gamers than 61-year-old Meyer. He additionally briefly performed within the league, making him extra relatable to gamers.
The Chicago Bears took the previous Ohio State linebacker with decide No. 154 within the 2009 NFL Draft, however he served as a observe squad member. He then hung out on the observe squads of the Buffalo Payments and Houston Texans earlier than a coronary heart situation pressured him to retire in 2010.
On Instagram, former ESPN reporter Paul Kuharsky stated a brand new Titans coach ought to prioritize participant relationships. Which will make Freeman a extra engaging candidate to Tennessee (3-12).
It is exhausting to inform whether or not Freeman’s offense and protection will translate to the NFL. However his soccer IQ will need to have impressed the Chicago Bears final offseason. NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero reported they inquired about him earlier than hiring Ben Johnson.
Talking of Johnson, who has piloted Chicago to an 11-4 report, it would not seem like there’s one other candidate who’s of the same caliber within the upcoming hiring cycle. One of many high names is Kansas Metropolis Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. He made the playoffs in his first season as Bears HC in 2018 however went 22-27 in his remaining three seasons with the group.
Contemplating the pool of head teaching candidates seems removed from distinctive, it is easy to know why the Titans might need to gamble on Freeman. The group may use a spark after going 6-26 over its previous 32 video games. A younger ascending coach might present simply that.
