JUST IN: Marcus Freeman Makes Stunning Switch — Named New Head Coach of LSU Baseball, Snubs Alabama and Tennessee in Shocking Move
JUST IN: Marcus Freeman Makes Stunning Switch — Named New Head Coach of LSU Baseball, Snubs Alabama and Tennessee in Shocking Move
BATON ROUGE, La. — June 14, 2025 | In a jaw-dropping twist that no one in the college sports world saw coming, former Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman has been officially announced as the new head coach of LSU Baseball, sending a bombshell through both the SEC and NCAA landscape.
Freeman, long associated with gridiron glory, has now taken an unprecedented leap—trading the football field for the baseball diamond—and choosing LSU over offers and heavy interest from Alabama and Tennessee.
> “I choose LSU,” Freeman said during a surprise press conference Saturday afternoon. “This isn’t just a job switch—it’s a chance to lead one of the most passionate programs in all of college baseball. The fire in Baton Rouge is real, and I’m ready to feed it.”
⚾ An Unconventional Move
The transition from football to baseball is rare, but LSU officials stood firm in their decision, calling Freeman’s leadership skills and competitive edge “exactly what this program needs.” Following the sudden resignation of former head coach Jay Johnson earlier this month, LSU launched a high-stakes national search, and landed on a candidate who, while unorthodox, offers charisma, recruiting dominance, and a proven record of building winning cultures.
> “Yes, this move is bold,” said LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward. “But so is Marcus Freeman. And we believe in bold leadership.”
🧢 Why LSU?
Reports indicate that Freeman was pursued by both Alabama and Tennessee, with both programs offering lucrative multi-year contracts for their own coaching vacancies. However, it was LSU’s vision—and their unmatched baseball tradition—that ultimately won him over.
LSU, a six-time national champion in baseball and a perennial SEC powerhouse, has long prided itself on attracting elite leadership. Freeman’s hiring is a statement that the Tigers are willing to think beyond conventional limits to maintain their dominance.
🔍 Freeman’s Vision for LSU Baseball
In his first comments as head coach, Freeman emphasized player development, discipline, and relentless competition. Though he’s best known for his work on the football field, Freeman reportedly shadowed Notre Dame baseball practices and spring development sessions during his tenure, and has privately studied baseball analytics and training systems for years.
He plans to retain key assistants from the former LSU baseball staff, while bringing in a mix of cross-sport experts and analytics professionals to form a new-age coaching model.
💬 Fan Reactions: Shock, Then Roar
At first, reactions were mixed. Social media was flooded with confusion, as fans tried to confirm whether the news was real. But as details emerged, Tiger Nation quickly embraced the bold hire.
LSU student Brian Fontenot posted on X, “I don’t care what sport it is—Marcus Freeman wins. Welcome to Death Valley, Coach!”
📅 What’s Next
Freeman will be formally introduced on Monday morning at Alex Box Stadium, where he’ll outline his plan for the program. He is expected to launch a “summer development camp” in July and begin preparing for fall practice and recruiting events shortly after.
—
Conclusion
Marcus Freeman choosing LSU over Alabama and Tennessee is more than a coaching hire—it’s a cultural moment. It signals that LSU is willing to challenge traditions to stay on top, and Freeman is ready to prove that great coaching transcends sport.
In his own words: “It’s not about the field. It’s about the fight.”
