Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman falls short of breakthrough for Black coaches on historic day in America

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman speaks during a news conference ahead of the College Football Playoff national championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Atlanta. The game between Ohio State and Notre Dame will be played on Monday.

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman speaks during a news conference ahead of the College Football Playoff national championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Atlanta. The game between Ohio State and Notre Dame will be played on Monday. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)


4 photos
Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: Less than a minute

ATLANTA — It was hard to ignore the connections between Marcus Freeman's fate as he tried to make history on Monday night and all that was happening in America on the day of the big game. Freeman's quest to become the first Black head football coach to capture a college title at the highest level came to an end with a 34-23 loss to Notre Dame. Monday was also the day the United States celebrated Martin Luther King Jr., and inaugurated Donald Trump to his second term as president. Freeman arrived at this moment on a day when America celebrated the man whose life was devoted to inclusion and equality, while diversity initiatives are increasingly under scrutiny on college campuses.

Photos

Most recent College stories

Related topics

CollegeNational Sports
Eddie Pells

    SPORTS NEWS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX

    From first downs to buzzer beaters, get KSL.com’s top sports stories delivered to your inbox weekly.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
    Newsletter Signup

    KSL Weather Forecast

    KSL Weather Forecast
    Play button