Marcus Freeman and James Laurinaitis share a long history, having played together at Ohio State, where they were key linebackers on a defense that reached back-to-back BCS National Championship games. Their bond has remained strong since their playing days.
Ahead of their teams facing off on Monday night, with Freeman now head coach at Notre Dame and Laurinaitis coaching linebackers at Ohio State, Freeman reflected on their friendship.
“We’ve had so many memorable moments together,” Freeman shared on Sunday. “He was in my wedding, and I was in his – those are special moments. But we’ve also had great times working together here at Notre Dame. It’s unique to work with someone who’s one of your best friends.”
Freeman also hinted at the many other memorable moments between them, some of which he’d keep private, adding, “He’s a great friend.”
Interestingly, Freeman was Laurinaitis’ boss in 2022 when Laurinaitis served as a graduate assistant at Notre Dame. Laurinaitis later returned to Ohio State in 2023 as a grad assistant before being promoted to linebackers coach this season.
After their time at Ohio State in 2008, Freeman’s football career was cut short by an enlarged heart condition, prompting his transition to coaching, while Laurinaitis went on to play in the NFL from 2009 to 2016. He spent most of his career with the St. Louis Rams, and briefly with the New Orleans Saints, leading the NFL in tackles in 2012.
While Freeman earned recognition as a two-time Second-Team All-Big Ten player, Laurinaitis was a standout, twice named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and winning multiple prestigious awards including the Jack Lambert Trophy and the Butkus Award.
Now, Freeman is responsible for leading Notre Dame, while Laurinaitis focuses on Ohio State’s linebackers. Their shared history will add a unique dimension to their coaching rivalry, but both will be focused on securing a win as their teams aim to finish strong in the college football season.
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