JUST IN: Former Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is officially returning to West Virginia mountaineers to take over as New head football coach..
JUST IN: Former Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is officially returning to West Virginia mountaineers to take over as New head football coach…
JUST IN: Marcus Freeman Returns to West Virginia as New Head Football Coach..
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — June 14, 2025 | In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves throughout the college football world, Marcus Freeman, the former head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, has officially been named the new head football coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers.
The announcement was confirmed early Saturday morning by WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker, who called Freeman’s hiring “the beginning of a bold new era for Mountaineer football.”
A Return to Familiar Ground
While many know Freeman for his high-profile role at Notre Dame, few recall that he briefly spent time in the Big 12 coaching ecosystem earlier in his career. Sources close to the program say Freeman had long admired the culture, grit, and potential of West Virginia’s football heritage. His return is being characterized as a “full-circle moment” in a career marked by rapid ascension.
> “West Virginia represents everything I value in football: toughness, tradition, and an unwavering fanbase,” Freeman said in a statement. “I’m humbled and honored to lead this program into its next chapter.”
Why the Change?
Freeman’s departure from Notre Dame came after three seasons marked by both promise and pressure. While he led the Irish to multiple bowl games and top-10 rankings, internal tensions and shifting priorities reportedly influenced his decision to seek new opportunities.
West Virginia, meanwhile, had recently parted ways with head coach Rich Rodriguez following internal disagreements and a disappointing 2024 campaign.
Freeman’s Resume
Former Head Coach, Notre Dame (2021–2025)
33–10 career record
Known for elite recruiting and defensive innovation
Played linebacker at Ohio State
Coached at Cincinnati, Purdue, and Kent State before his rise at Notre Dame
Fan Reactions and Outlook
The reaction in Morgantown has been electric. Social media is flooded with messages of excitement from Mountaineer Nation. Long-time boosters and alumni are already pledging renewed support as Freeman prepares to lead West Virginia into a new competitive phase within the Big 12.
Freeman is expected to bring several members of his Notre Dame staff with him, and early reports indicate a revamped recruiting strategy and a renewed focus on defensive toughness.
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What’s Next
A press conference is scheduled for Monday at 10 a.m. ET, where Freeman will be formally introduced. He’s expected to begin assembling his staff immediately and hit the recruiting trail ahead of the 2025 season.
Mountaineer fans now have something they’ve craved for years: a high-profile coach with a national reputation and a relentless drive to win.
As one fan put it online, “This is the Freeman Era. Let’s ride.”
