First Black Coach in National Championship Game on MLK day

On MLK Day, Marcus Freeman became the first Black coach to lead a team to the CFP National Championship, emphasizing the importance of diversity in coaching opportunities.

Marcus Freeman (DOD photos by Sgt. Kamren Chotalal)

On Monday, MLK Day, Marcus Freeman became the first Black coach to lead a team to the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship game.

On a day dedicated to inclusion, Freeman led the Notre Dame fighting Irish against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Freeman who is of African American and South Korean descent said that he wants to be a role model for others who look like him and that he hopes that coaches of all races and backgrounds will continue to get opportunities. 

“It is an honor and I hope all coaches… Black, Asian, White-it doesn’t matter…continue to get opportunities to lead young men like this,” he said.

Freeman is just one of the first two Black coaches to lead a team to the CFP, and is the first to coach for a national title.

The Irish fell to the Ohio State Buckeyes in an exciting matchup, 34-23.

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