Marcus Freeman’s tenure as head coach of Notre Dame’s football team represents a shift in strategy that is aligned with the changing landscape of college football, especially in anticipation of the new extended College Football Playoff (CFP) format. Freeman’s approach to team building, recruiting, and in-game strategy is designed to ensure that Notre Dame not only competes for national titles but also thrives in the expanded playoff environment. His vision emphasizes versatility, depth, and sustained excellence, all of which are critical for success in a 12-team playoff format where teams must be able to navigate a long season, multiple rounds of intense competition, and a variety of different styles of play.
In this piece, we’ll explore how Freeman’s leadership and strategies are designed with the extended playoffs in mind, and how they aim to position Notre Dame as a legitimate contender in the new CFP system. 
The Extended Playoffs: A New Era in College Football
The decision to expand the College Football Playoff to 12 teams, set to be implemented in the 2024 season, represents a seismic shift in college football’s postseason structure. The previous four-team playoff system had long been criticized for its limited field, which often excluded deserving teams from competing for the national title. Under the new format, 12 teams will compete for the championship, with the top four seeds receiving a first-round bye and the remaining eight teams playing in the opening round on campus.
This expanded format increases the stakes for teams across the country, but also introduces new opportunities. For programs like Notre Dame, with a storied history but a tendency to be on the cusp of the playoff without an automatic conference tie-in, the change offers a clearer path to playoff contention. The extended playoff also means that depth, consistency, and the ability to perform across multiple rounds will be more important than ever.
A Fresh Direction with Marcus Freeman
When Marcus Freeman was hired as Notre Dame’s head coach in 2021, it marked the end of an era under Brian Kelly, who had led the program to consistent success but was unable to deliver a national championship. Freeman, a former player and defensive coordinator with a reputation for his strong leadership and innovative defensive strategies, was brought in to take the program to the next level.
Freeman’s appointment represented a bold step for Notre Dame. His hiring was a break from the traditional, often conservative approach that had defined the program under Kelly. Freeman’s background in defense, coupled with his understanding of the broader college football landscape, uniquely positioned him to craft a team capable of competing in a 12-team playoff scenario. His philosophy is built on several core principles, all of which will help Notre Dame navigate the challenges of an expanded postseason format.
Key Elements of Marcus Freeman’s Vision for Notre Dame
1. A Balanced, Deep Roster
One of the most important shifts Freeman has made is in the overall depth and balance of the roster. The extended playoff format introduces a longer season with multiple rounds of games, meaning teams must be prepared to withstand injuries, fatigue, and the wear and tear of back-to-back high-stakes matchups. Freeman understands this, and his roster-building approach prioritizes depth, especially at critical positions.
- Offense: Under Freeman, the offense at Notre Dame has become more dynamic. Quarterback play is crucial in any playoff race, and Freeman has been committed to developing a system that maximizes the strengths of his signal callers. Whether it’s a dual-threat quarterback or a traditional pocket passer, Freeman’s offense aims to be versatile and difficult to prepare for, an essential quality for playoff success. By developing multiple weapons at the skill positions and emphasizing a strong offensive line, Freeman has set up his offense to both control the clock and create explosive plays when needed.
- Defense: Freeman’s expertise lies on the defensive side of the ball, where his schemes are designed to disrupt opposing offenses. A strong defense is often a hallmark of championship teams, and Freeman’s commitment to recruiting elite defensive talent gives Notre Dame an edge. In the 12-team playoff format, teams will face a variety of offensive systems, and having a defense that can adapt to different styles — from high-powered air raids to run-heavy offenses — is key. Freeman’s defenses are built to be physical, fast, and flexible, making it difficult for opponents to sustain drives and score points.
2. Strategic Recruiting for the New Playoff Landscape
Recruiting is perhaps the most important aspect of any program’s long-term success, and Freeman has quickly shown that he is a recruiter capable of competing with the best in college football. In the extended playoff world, recruiting becomes even more critical. Teams will need not only star players but also quality depth to survive multiple rounds of playoff football.
- Elite Talent: Notre Dame’s brand remains one of the most powerful in college football, and Freeman has used it to attract some of the best talent in the country. He has prioritized recruiting five-star players who can make an immediate impact, particularly on the defensive line and in the secondary, where Notre Dame has historically been strong but needs to stay competitive in the new playoff system.
- Versatility in Players: Freeman has also made a point of recruiting players who are versatile and can adapt to different systems. In the extended playoff, where teams will face a variety of schemes, having players who can play multiple positions or excel in different types of matchups will be a significant advantage. This is especially true in the modern college football landscape, where offenses are becoming more complex and defenses must adjust quickly.
- Depth and Development: Freeman has also emphasized the importance of developing players beyond the starting lineup. With a 12-team playoff, teams will face a longer season and the risk of injuries increases. A deep, talented roster can ensure that the team stays competitive even if key players are sidelined. Notre Dame’s focus on developing young talent and building a strong second and third unit will be essential for success in the playoff system.
3. Adapting to Different Playoff Scenarios
In the past, Notre Dame’s biggest challenge in the playoff era was the lack of conference affiliation. As an independent, the team was often judged on a smaller sample size of games, and its strength of schedule was under constant scrutiny. The new 12-team playoff system, however, presents a different set of challenges, and Freeman’s team is designed to adapt to the variety of scenarios that could unfold.
- Handling the First-Round Game: With the top four seeds receiving a bye, Notre Dame will likely need to win at least one opening-round game to advance. Freeman has crafted a team that can compete in high-pressure situations, knowing that every first-round matchup will be a battle. The key will be preparing for the unpredictability of hosting a home game or traveling to a hostile environment for an early-round game. The team’s experience and leadership will be critical here, as teams often face a different kind of pressure in these early matchups.
- Maintaining Momentum Through Multiple Rounds: One of the most significant adjustments to the extended playoff format is the compressed timeline. Teams will need to quickly recover from intense games and be ready for a second round or even a third. Freeman’s focus on depth and conditioning ensures that his team can compete for the long haul, and his use of a rotation system on both offense and defense will keep players fresh for the grind of the playoff.
- Preparing for Different Styles of Play: The variety of teams that will make the 12-team playoff means that Freeman will need to ensure his team is ready for a wide range of styles. From run-heavy teams to pass-first offenses, from aggressive blitzing defenses to bend-but-don’t-break schemes, Freeman’s team is built to adjust quickly. His experience in defensive game planning will allow Notre Dame to change their approach based on their opponent, giving them a strategic advantage in a multi-round tournament.
4. Focus on Player Development and Leadership
Notre Dame’s success in the extended playoff format will depend not only on the physical talent of the players but also on their ability to manage the mental and emotional challenges that come with high-stakes football. Freeman has made player development a central focus, both in terms of football skills and leadership.
- Mental Toughness: Freeman recognizes that the mental aspect of playoff football is often just as important as the physical. His emphasis on leadership, team culture, and resilience ensures that Notre Dame will be able to weather the inevitable ups and downs of a playoff run. Mental toughness will be crucial when facing tough opponents, high-pressure moments, and the potential for setbacks along the way.
- Developing Leadership: Freeman’s experience as a player gives him a unique understanding of the importance of leadership within a team. The Notre Dame program under Freeman has focused on developing captains and leaders who can step up in clutch moments and guide their teammates through adversity. In a 12-team playoff scenario, where teams will play multiple high-pressure games, leadership from within the locker room will be essential.
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