Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman told reporters on Saturday that he’s given “zero thought into coaching in the NFL.”
The Bears have done their homework on Freeman, who is coaching Monday in the national championship game against Ohio State.
“The reality is, with team success comes individual recognition,” Freeman said at media day for the national championship game in Atlanta. “To hear that the Bears have interest, it’s humbling. It’s the NFL. It’s also a reminder that with team success comes individual success. I have put zero thought into coaching in the NFL. All my attention has just been getting this team prepared.”
Freeman agreed to a contract extension in December, shortly after the Bears fired coach Matt Eberflus, that’s believed to be one of the most lucrative in college football.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles promised to cast a wide net in the coaching search, saying he’d look at college and pro coaches and even consider trades. The Bears have interviewed 14 candidates in the last 10 days — all but two were virtual — and are expected to meet virtually with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich on Friday. League rules prevent the Bears from speaking in-person to coaches who are employed by NFL teams until Monday.