This would be a job downgrade from hell.

Since leading Notre Dame to its first national championship game, 1988head coach Marcus Freeman’s stock soared. As a result, the NFL’s Chicago Bears are trying to steal him away from the Fighting Irish.

The Bears want to interview Freeman as their next head coaching candidate after firing Matt Eberflus midway through the 2024 season, NFL Network reported Sunday. (Related: Penn State’s James Franklin completely dragged in after strangling against Notre Dame)

But first, Freeman must defeat Notre Dame to Ohio State in the national title game. The Fighting Irish narrowly defeated Penn State to punch their ticket.

“It’s clearly unlikely he will receive an NFL offer before the game against Ohio State a week from tomorrow,” insider Tom Pelissero reported on NFL Network. “But the Bears have done extensive research on Marcus Freeman for months. He’s only 39 years old. It would be surprising if at some point he at least considered going to the NFL.” Probably not.”

every NFL NetworkThe Bears are also scheduled to interview Kliff Kingsbury (Washington Commanders), Brian Flores (Minnesota Vikings), Arthur Smith (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Todd Monken (Baltimore Ravens).

clock:

The Bears are reportedly considering interviewing Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman to become their head coach. @TomPelissero. pic.twitter.com/fjujUFyVKW

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 12, 2025

Marcus Freeman isn’t leaving Notre Dame for the Chicago Bears…that would be stupid.