Notre Dame Coach Marcus Freeman Acknowledges Disappointment, Vows to 'Leave No Doubt' for Future Success
Marcus Freeman, the head coach of Notre Dame football, acknowledged disappointment at being left out of this season's College Football Playoff, but emphasized that his focus is on ensuring the program's sustained success in the future.
Freeman pointed out that the selection process was outside of the team's control and that they should not be blamed for it. "As we look at the moment, it was obviously disappointing, right? But you have to move forward," he said. "That's what we've done as a program, that's what I've done as a leader and as I reminded the group at our team meeting on Sunday, it's our responsibility to make sure we leave no doubt."
Freeman also expressed his commitment to making changes to avoid being left out of the playoff in future years. "We can't blame it on someone else," he said. "Moving forward we can't leave any doubts about our performance and that's what I want my players to take away from this experience."
Regarding speculation about his future, Freeman made it clear that he is committed to Notre Dame and will not be leaving the program anytime soon. "I am the head coach at Notre Dame," he said. "But if I ever decide to leave, it would be because of sustained success, not just for personal reasons."
In a separate press conference, Freeman addressed allegations about a confrontation with a high school wrestling coach during a recent match involving his son. He denied any wrongdoing and expressed gratitude that the matter has been resolved.
"It's easy to clickbait headlines," Freeman said. "But I behaved in a respectful and professional manner while protecting my family, and that should have been the only headline."
Freeman also emphasized the importance of learning from this experience and using it as motivation for future success. "Although we may be confused by some of the criteria and the committee's rankings and all those different things," he said, "it's our job to attack moving forward and to leave no doubt."
Marcus Freeman, the head coach of Notre Dame football, acknowledged disappointment at being left out of this season's College Football Playoff, but emphasized that his focus is on ensuring the program's sustained success in the future.
Freeman pointed out that the selection process was outside of the team's control and that they should not be blamed for it. "As we look at the moment, it was obviously disappointing, right? But you have to move forward," he said. "That's what we've done as a program, that's what I've done as a leader and as I reminded the group at our team meeting on Sunday, it's our responsibility to make sure we leave no doubt."
Freeman also expressed his commitment to making changes to avoid being left out of the playoff in future years. "We can't blame it on someone else," he said. "Moving forward we can't leave any doubts about our performance and that's what I want my players to take away from this experience."
Regarding speculation about his future, Freeman made it clear that he is committed to Notre Dame and will not be leaving the program anytime soon. "I am the head coach at Notre Dame," he said. "But if I ever decide to leave, it would be because of sustained success, not just for personal reasons."
In a separate press conference, Freeman addressed allegations about a confrontation with a high school wrestling coach during a recent match involving his son. He denied any wrongdoing and expressed gratitude that the matter has been resolved.
"It's easy to clickbait headlines," Freeman said. "But I behaved in a respectful and professional manner while protecting my family, and that should have been the only headline."
Freeman also emphasized the importance of learning from this experience and using it as motivation for future success. "Although we may be confused by some of the criteria and the committee's rankings and all those different things," he said, "it's our job to attack moving forward and to leave no doubt."