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On Sunday, a jury comprised of LSU boosters, administrators and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry rendered a verdict on Brian Kelly’s choice to leave Notre Dame for Baton Rouge. More News: Jimbo Fisher Looking for Coaching Job Amid Likely Florida State Opening LSU fired Kelly before he could finish his fourth season with the program. The final straw was the Tigers’ 49-25 blowout at home against Texas A&M on Saturday. Kelly went 34-14 during his time with the Tigers. Notre Dame has been vindicated with the choice to anoint Freeman as Kelly’s successor. Freeman served as Kelly’s defensive coordinator in 2021 and took over as the permanent head coach when Kelly left for LSU. SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – OCTOBER 18: Marcus Freeman of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on the field before the game against USC Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium on October 18, 2025 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) More News: College Football Ref ‘Permanently Suspended’ For Questionable Calls Freeman is 38-12 during his time with Notre Dame. He led the Irish to a College Football Playoff national championship appearance in 2024. ND won two major bowl games last season, something the program had failed to do since the Lou Holtz era. During his news conference on Monday, Freeman addressed Kelly’s firing. He thanked Kelly for bringing him to Notre Dame but warned that being fired was a part of college football. “Coach Kelly gave me an opportunity to come here,” Freeman said, via Mike Beradino of the South Bend Tribune. “I’m always rooting for him. But it’s also the profession we’ve chosen. We know that can be a result of choosing this profession.” Freeman said he hated to see Kelly lose his job, knowing that it would affect families and players. Not long after Kelly was fired, Freeman was linked to the LSU job as his possible successor. Freeman had a brutal reality check on Kelly’s situation, calling it a “reminder” that the grass isn’t always greener. “It’s a reminder to be grateful for what you have,” Freeman said. “Because if you’re not grateful for what you have, you’ll find a way to lose it. I’m not talking about a coach. I’m talking about in life.” Freeman has been linked to high-profile openings like Florida and Penn State. While he hasn’t ruled out taking another gig, he appears to appreciate what he was with the Irish. Freeman is getting set to take his No. 12 Notre Dame squad on the road to play Boston College on Saturday. For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
