The 'Len' Zone
Marcus Freeman Press Conference Transcript
Following Notre Dame's first spring football practice of 2025, Head Coach Marcus Freeman addresses the media about the team's preparation, player development, and outlook for the upcoming season. This transcript captures Freeman's insights on quarterback competition, leadership development, staff changes, and how the program is building on last season's success.

by Len Clark

Marcus Freeman Press Conference
Opening Statement
Freeman began by expressing his satisfaction with returning to the field with his team after completing their strength and conditioning phase. He praised Coach Landow and his staff for their excellent work in physically preparing the players for spring practice.
"It was good to be back out there with this group of guys," Freeman remarked. "We just finished up our strength and conditioning phase, and Coach Landow and his staff did a tremendous job physically getting our guys ready for spring practice."
The coach emphasized that the team's focus would be on progressive improvement, both collectively and individually, as they move forward with spring training.
Practice Timeline
Spring practice officially began on March 19, 2025
Conditioning Complete
Team successfully finished strength and conditioning phase
Focus Areas
Emphasis on both team and individual improvement
Recalibrating After a Historic Season
When asked about transitioning from the longest season in Notre Dame football history, Freeman explained his approach to the constant demands of being a head coach. "You take off one hat and put on another. That's the profession — especially as a head coach. There's not much time to recalibrate; you move to the next thing."
Despite the quick turnaround, Freeman assured reporters he was fully focused and energized for spring practice. When questioned about when it hit him that it's now 2025, Freeman candidly admitted, "Today," explaining that while planning had been ongoing for months, the reality of the new season truly registered when they stepped onto the practice field.
1
End of 2024 Season
Concluded with National Championship appearance in Atlanta
2
Off-Season Planning
Months of preparation for spring practice
3
March 19, 2025
First day of spring practice marks mental shift to new season
Spring Practice Approach
Addressing questions about potential changes to spring practice format, Freeman revealed that Notre Dame pushed their schedule back by two weeks. This decision was made to fully maximize the strength and conditioning phase, which he considers critical to player development.
Despite some programs eliminating spring games, Freeman confirmed Notre Dame would still hold a version of one. "We'll have a spring game because I want the fans to engage with the team. It's a chance to connect with the community and provide an experience to those who may not get to attend games."
This approach highlights Freeman's commitment to both thorough player preparation and maintaining the program's connection with its fanbase.
Two-Week Delay
Spring practice pushed back to prioritize strength and conditioning phase
Fan Engagement
Spring game maintained to connect with Notre Dame community
Comprehensive Development
Focus on complete player preparation rather than rushing the process
Player Updates: Love and Payne
When asked about the status of key players Jeremiyiah Love and Gi'Bran Payne, Freeman provided positive updates on both athletes. He described Payne as looking "great" following his return from injury, noting the player's drive and motivation during practice.
For Love, Freeman characterized him as a natural competitor whose enthusiasm sometimes needs to be tempered. "Jeremiyah is a competitor — it's about holding him back rather than pushing him," Freeman explained, suggesting the coaching staff occasionally needs to moderate Love's intensity to prevent overexertion.
Freeman expressed satisfaction with having both players actively participating in spring practice, indicating their importance to the team's plans for the upcoming season.
Gi'Bran Payne
Successfully returned from injury
  • Showing great motivation
  • Fully engaged in practice
  • Demonstrating drive to succeed
Jeremiyah Love
Natural competitor at practice
  • Coaches focus on moderating intensity
  • Fully participating in drills
  • Shows exceptional enthusiasm
Jordan Faison's Dual-Sport Schedule
Freeman addressed questions about Jordan Faison's unique situation as a dual-sport athlete participating in both football and lacrosse. He confirmed that Faison's spring schedule differs from his teammates, describing it as "a collaborative effort with Coach Corrigan and lacrosse."
The arrangement allows Faison more football participation this spring while still honoring his lacrosse commitments. Freeman explained they provided Faison with post-season recovery time before implementing this balanced approach to his dual responsibilities.
"It's about helping him continuously improve while respecting his lacrosse commitments," Freeman stated, highlighting the program's supportive approach to multi-sport athletes.

Football Practice
Increased participation in spring football sessions

Lacrosse Commitments
Continued participation with Coach Corrigan's lacrosse program

Schedule Coordination
Collaborative planning between coaching staffs

Recovery Time
Dedicated post-season rest period
New Player Assessments
When questioned about the progress of new additions to the team, Freeman provided insights on several key players. He highlighted DeVonta Smith's leadership qualities, noting that the Alabama transfer brings valuable experience to the program.
Regarding Jared Dawson, Freeman indicated he was making steady progress in his development. Unfortunately, he revealed that Jalen Stroman would be unavailable for spring practice following shoulder surgery.
Freeman maintained a big-picture perspective, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is having everyone ready for the fall season. "It's about the fall — getting everyone ready by then," he stated, demonstrating his focus on long-term preparation rather than immediate availability.
DeVonta Smith
Transfer from Alabama bringing leadership and experience to the team
Jared Dawson
Making steady progress in his development with the program
Jalen Stroman
Unavailable for spring practice while recovering from shoulder surgery
Benefits of Extended Season
When asked about the pros and cons of playing deep into January, Freeman was unequivocal in his response: "I only see pros." He emphasized that reaching the national championship game elevated the entire program and created valuable experiences for everyone involved.
Freeman articulated his philosophy that "the past creates the foundation for the present," explaining how last year's achievements would serve as the building blocks for the 2025 season. This perspective extends to transfers as well, with Freeman expecting all players to use previous experiences to establish their foundation for the upcoming season.
His response revealed a coach focused on leveraging success rather than dwelling on potential drawbacks of a shortened offseason.

Program Elevation
National championship appearance raised team profile
Experience Foundation
Past success creates building blocks for future
Universal Benefit
All players gain from championship experience
Working with Chris Ash
Freeman shared his early impressions of working with new defensive coordinator Chris Ash, expressing strong satisfaction with the addition to his staff. "Really pleased with Coach Ash — his leadership and camaraderie are outstanding," Freeman stated.
He highlighted the cohesion Ash has already fostered among the defensive coaching staff, predicting this unity would be evident in the team's on-field performance. Freeman specifically praised Ash's leadership qualities and his ability to bring the defensive unit together.
These comments suggest Freeman values not just tactical expertise but also the interpersonal dynamics and culture-building abilities that Ash brings to the program.

Strong Leadership
Demonstrating exceptional guidance abilities
Staff Camaraderie
Building cohesion among defensive coaches
Defensive Unity
Creating a unified approach to team defense
Quarterback Competition and Comeback Players
Freeman detailed the quarterback competition process, explaining that Kenny, Steve, and CJ would all receive first-team repetitions. He emphasized the importance of communication, feedback, and healthy competition, noting there was no predetermined timeline for naming a starter.
"We'll name a starter when someone clearly earns it," Freeman stated, adding that this represents his first experience with a true three-man quarterback competition.
Regarding comeback players Kevin Bauman and Jason Onye, Freeman expressed pride in both athletes. He highlighted Bauman's return from injury and Onye's journey back from mental health challenges, commending their determination to rejoin the team regardless of their eventual contributions.
Equal Opportunity
All three QBs receiving first-team reps
Ongoing Evaluation
No timetable for naming starter
Merit-Based Decision
Position will go to player who clearly earns it
Leadership Development and Offensive Adaptation
Addressing the challenge of rebuilding leadership after losing team captains, Freeman emphasized his desire for leadership to emerge organically. "I want leadership to be authentic," he explained, noting that spring practice provides the perfect environment to identify who naturally steps into those roles.
Freeman described looking for "energy providers" and players who challenge teammates or help newcomers, indicating these behaviors reveal natural leaders.
Regarding tailoring the offense to different quarterback skill sets, Freeman observed that all three candidates share similar abilities—they can throw, run, and extend plays. The coaching staff's job, he explained, is to identify each quarterback's strengths during spring practice and build the offense around those specific attributes.

Organic Leadership
Allowing natural leaders to emerge authentically

Energy Providers
Identifying players who motivate and elevate teammates

Veteran Guidance
Experienced players helping newcomers adapt

Vocal Challengers
Players who push teammates to improve
Staff Restructuring Opportunities
Freeman discussed how he approached reimagining parts of the support staff, framing staff departures as opportunities for creative restructuring. "With success, people get hired elsewhere. Change creates opportunity — you replace losses creatively," he explained.
He specifically highlighted Mike Martin as a standout addition, emphasizing that character was the primary consideration in his hiring, followed by competence. Freeman praised Martin's recruiting abilities, leadership qualities, and capacity to elevate those around him.
This response revealed Freeman's philosophy on staff development—viewing turnover as a chance for innovation rather than merely a challenge to overcome, while prioritizing character in his hiring decisions.
1st
Character
Primary consideration in staff hiring decisions
2nd
Competence
Professional skills and expertise follow character
3rd
Creativity
Innovative approach to replacing departing staff
Mike Martin's General Manager Role
Freeman provided insight into Mike Martin's responsibilities as general manager, explaining that he leads the personnel department with a focus on relationship building and recruit evaluation. "He leads the personnel department — relationship building, evaluating the right recruits, and helping us land those who elevate the program," Freeman stated.
Beyond Martin's appointment, Freeman emphasized the importance of maintaining continuity by retaining key staff members like Carter, Becca, and D.I. This balance of new perspectives and institutional stability appears central to Freeman's staffing philosophy.
The explanation highlights the comprehensive nature of Martin's role, encompassing both talent identification and acquisition while serving as a departmental leader.
Personnel Leadership
Overseeing the entire recruiting and personnel evaluation department
Relationship Building
Developing connections with prospects, families, and high school coaches
Talent Evaluation
Identifying recruits who align with program values and performance standards
Recruitment Closing
Helping secure commitments from top prospects who will elevate the program
Quarterback Evaluation and Receiver Health
When asked about specific quarterback strengths and how receiver health impacts the competition, Freeman noted that all three quarterbacks possess strong arms and decision-making abilities. While their experience levels differ, he indicated there was no clear separation among them at this early stage.
Regarding wide receiver health affecting quarterback evaluation, Freeman emphasized focusing on the process rather than just outcomes. "You evaluate the QBs on decision-making, not just the result of the play," he explained, suggesting that a receiver's performance shouldn't unduly influence quarterback assessment.
Freeman maintained that spring practice is ultimately about team improvement, keeping the focus on collective development rather than just individual competitions.
Freeman emphasized evaluating quarterbacks on their decision-making process rather than just completion statistics, especially when receiver performance may impact results.
Offensive Coordinator Continuity and Position Changes
Freeman acknowledged the significant advantage of maintaining offensive coordinator continuity during a quarterback competition. "It helps a lot. Having Coach Denbrock and Coach Guidugli back creates a strong foundation," he explained, noting that this stability allows the team to refine offensive details rather than establishing basic concepts.
When questioned about moving Devin Houston to offense, Freeman provided a straightforward rationale: the coaching staff identified potential and wanted to maximize his opportunities to contribute to the team. This pragmatic approach suggests Freeman prioritizes putting players in positions where they can best succeed.
The responses demonstrate Freeman's appreciation for both staff continuity and flexibility in player development.
Established Foundation
Returning offensive coordinators provide system continuity
Detail Refinement
Focus shifts from basic concepts to nuanced improvements
Player Optimization
Position changes made to maximize contribution potential
Spring Roster Management
Addressing concerns about a smaller spring roster affecting team building versus individual development, Freeman explained that spring practice naturally features different dynamics than fall. "Spring is always like this — you go good on good. No scout teams," he noted, indicating the structure remains consistent despite roster size.
While practice length might be adjusted, the fundamental approach remains unchanged. Freeman took a philosophical stance on the 105-man roster limit, advising against worrying about future constraints. "You can't waste time worrying about the future. Focus on being your best today, and everything else will work out," he stated.
This response reveals Freeman's present-focused mindset and adaptability in managing roster limitations.
Spring practice balances individual development with team building, focusing on quality repetitions rather than quantity. The "good on good" approach means starters compete against starters, creating high-quality practice situations despite a smaller roster.
Closing Remarks
As the press conference concluded, Freeman thanked the assembled media before departing to continue his spring practice preparations. Though brief, this final exchange reflected the businesslike approach Freeman brings to his role as head coach.
Throughout the press conference, Freeman demonstrated a clear vision for the program, balancing immediate practice concerns with long-term development goals. His responses revealed a coach focused on authentic leadership, player development, and building upon the previous season's success.
With spring practice now underway, Freeman and his staff will work to implement these philosophies as they prepare for the 2025 season with heightened expectations following their national championship appearance.