Marcus Freeman’s stock has risen as he has led the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to the brink of its first national championship since 1988.

The Chicago Bears appeared to have been following Freeman closely.

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The Bears want to interview Freeman for their head coaching position after parting ways with Matt Eberflus midway through the 2024 season, NFL Network reported Sunday. The Bears have not made a decision on Eberflus’ replacement, but have gone through the interview process.

Freeman must first game plan for Notre Dame’s national title game against Ohio State. The Fighting Irish narrowly defeated Penn State to get there.

“It’s clearly unlikely that he would entertain NFL overtures before that game — a week from tomorrow against Ohio State,” NFL insider Tom Pelissero said on the network. “But the Bears have done extensive research for months on Marcus Freeman. He’s only 39 years old. It wouldn’t be a shock that at some point he at least considers going to the NFL.”

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman holds the football after defeating Penn State in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 9, 2025. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Photos)

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Chicago is still set to interview Minnesota Vikings’ Brian Floires, Washington Commanders’ Kliff Kingsubury, Baltimore Ravens’ Todd Monken and Pittsburgh Steelers’ Arthur Smith for the job, according to the NFL Network.

Freeman was named Brian Kelly’s replacement at Notre Dame after the former head coach took the LSU job.

He is 33-9 as the head coach of Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are 14-1 this season after going 9-4 in its first full year in 2022 and 10-3 in 2023.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams during the game against the Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., on Jan. 5, 2025. (Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Photos)

The Bears were 5-12 in 2024 with Caleb Williams in his first season under center.