What do you get when a 10-2 college football team -- playing like a top-five program -- gets unjustifiably left out of the College Football Playoff? Hopefully, a disgruntled-enough head coach who could be eyeing a change of scenery and a shot with the New York Giants.
After being snubbed by the College Football Playoff, Notre Dame announced it wouldn't participate in the postseason at all -- no Bowl game for the Fighting Irish this year. The school posted a statement on social media declaring its intention to pass:
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) December 7, 2025
Say what you will about the decision to skip the postseason altogether -- it comes off as entitled and petty -- but it creates a uniquely interesting scenario for Irish head coach Marcus Freeman. And it's all about the timing: The 39-year-old is now pretty free to take potential HC interviews.
With NIL chaos, constant portal turnover, and never-ending pressure mounting at the college level, the Giants could suddenly look like the better path. Big Blue can offer him structure, control, and a perfect shot to prove he belongs at the highest level. With frustration clearly mounting in South Bend, this once unexpected candidate is now gaining serious traction to be NY's next play-caller.
Notre Dame’s CFP snub could open door for Giants to target Marcus Freeman
Giants fans will be quick to turn their backs on an option like Freeman. He's only coached in college, and he'd be another first-time HC. Those concerns are understandable. However, they don't come close to painting the full picture.
Through four-plus seasons as ND's leader, he's gone 43-12 in the regular season, along with an impressive 5-2 postseason record. Furthermore, he brings a strong defensive acumen with a modern approach to player development, is a natural leader of men, and has a proven track record of cultivating a culture that his players respond to.
It's kind of exactly what the G-Men need in their next head coach. A severe lack of accountability and clear direction has hampered this team for too long. It's time for a complete change of pace.
Freeman would be walking into a great situation. The Giants currently have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 Draft, a franchise quarterback, a bookend left tackle, a No. 1 receiver, a dynamic running back room, and a potentially elite pass-rushing unit to boot. That might be more enticing than navigating another frustrating college football season.
It's been a revolving door since two-time Super Bowl-winning coach Tom Coughlin left NY in 2015. Expect names like Bill Belichick, Mike McCarthy, Mike Tomlin, and Jon Gruden to be floated around as well, but one thing is for certain: they need to get this next hire right.