Our annual list of rising young coaches is on the longer side for the third consecutive year, thanks to both a new crop of talent and the increased number of interviews many teams have been conducting in recent searches amidst revised rules that slow and extend the hiring cycle. This collection of names below is based on dozens of recent conversations with NFL executives, coaches and others close to the search process.
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Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman, 38: A fifth-round draft pick of the Bears in 2009, Freeman never appeared in a regular-season game. But Freeman's story in pro football may not be written just yet. NFL teams have inquired about Freeman in recent years amidst his meteoric rise in coaching, from his first GA job at his alma mater (Ohio State) in 2010 to becoming the head coach of one of college football's most iconic programs (Notre Dame) 11 years later. Since taking over in the aftermath of Brian Kelly's midnight exit for LSU, Freeman has led the Fighting Irish to a 28-9 record and current No. 6 national ranking. He's an engaging presence who will win the interview -- if and when he's willing to take one.
