Head Coach Marcus Freeman on Leadership—One Homily Worth Seeing

At today's Good Friday service, Father Michael quoted  Pope Paul the IV who said, "I would rather see a sermon than hear one." I couldn't help but think that truth characterizes what was the highlight of my most recent visit to Notre Dame. To the surprise and delight of 350 alumni and friends in attendance at the Notre Dame Alumni Association's annual leadership conference, Coach Marcus Freeman spoke on the topic of leadership. While he offered some important insights on this topic, the real message has been learned from who and what we saw. Thank you, HCMF.

We saw was a content and confident man. He smiled, he listened and made us laugh. He said a lot with a little. He made time for Q&A and to my utter delight, I offered a question of my own. He is gifted and grateful, humble and happy. We saw a great homily.

To our surprise, Coach Freeman entered in the room nearly unannounced. There was no walk up song, victory march, spotlight, fire or flags. He smiled and gave high fives to those who lined the walk-way. My friend Kristina turned around to look at my reaction. Although I smiled, I just kept shaking my head as if to say "no." I couldn't believe it and yet, I could (Is there a name for this sentiment?!). WAY TO GO NDAA!

Coach Free sat down with Dolly Duffy—executive director of the Notre Dame Alumni Association and associate vice president for University Relations—for a 20 minute conversation. He acknowledged his audience and said leaders must be adaptable. Given the reality of injury for players, the challenges of travel, weather and life events it's easy to believe he practices what he preaches.

He stressed the importance of maintaining a micro-focus on the task at hand (think one game at a time) while planning far ahead. It's his job to do both—He is the one to take the team where it needs to go. In light of that mindset, he said "you must fix the process. You hear trust the process—sure, but being adaptable means you will need to fix it, too. That's critical."

He said "good leaders are unorthodox. You go against the grain. You make those around you better." I kept thinking of what my friend Father Paul Kollman said to me at lunch that day "there's so much wisdom to be gained from sports." I'm not convinced that Marcus Freeman is a "player's coach," but he did stress that not everyone is coached in the same way. He listens to his players, especially the captains. He noted, "Their input is invaluable." 

Coach Freeman addressed the devastation of losing to Northern Illinois University (16-14) in the home opener. This loss was significant as it marked the first time a Mid-American Conference (MAC) team had defeated an AP Top 5 team. He said, "one week prior, we went into College Station and had a great win over Texas A&M. Coming off that win, I realized, we had to learn how to handle success, mentally and physically. Game two exposed that need."

He could have left the recount at that. Instead, he said "I left the office late that night. It was dark and obviously a long day. While sitting at a stoplight, I decided to count the days. I asked myself How many days have passed between our official start date and today? I realized it was 40 days. That number has incredible significance."

Coach Freeman's reflection resonates with my experience of prayer. For me, my most authentic experience of prayer is when I can connect the Word, the lived experience of God's people to events of my own life. Those connections provide solace and comfort, clarity and understanding. In Scripture, the number 40 symbolizes testing, trial, or probation. I am led to believe Coach Freeman decided to acknowledge that time as a period of hardship and yet one that is the seedbed for spiritual growth.

Coach Freeman emphasized the three pillars of his program: talent, development of that talent and culture. He said "we can control two of those three pillars. We recruit the talent and it's our job to develop it and build a culture that supports and sustains excellence. I call it the Gold Standard (TGS). It's what I want you to feel when you walk into our locker room. We are going to challenge each other. I ask every one in the building to "choose hard" and maintain a competitive spirit. You must choose love. In other words choose to put the greater good, in this case Notre Dame football above yourself."

Knowing there would be Q&A, I decided now was the time. Why? I have served on the Notre Dame Women Connect Alumni Board for the past six years, and my tenure was up. I prepared my introduction, commentary and question and raised my hand. I almost couldn't believe my luck when Dolly nodded in my direction. (think Jake Ryan nodding at Sam in Sixteen Candles. Who me?). I stood up and spoke into the microphone totally pumped and ready to share my stuff.

I said, "Coach Freeman, thank you for encouraging young people to 'Choose hard.' I think that's so important. Second, thank you for beating USC." (when my Dad met Tony Rice, he said that and I've always loved it). The crowd clapped and cheered.

I added, "you inspire so many people. Can you tell us about an athlete or someone from this season who inspires you? I know it's not easy to choose just one, but who is someone that inspires you."

I've been in the business of teaching and coaching young people long enough to know that THEY have just as much of an impact—both positive and negative—on us as we have on them. We need to hear those stories. As my Uncle Jay has told me, "inspiration comes from players to coaches, students to teachers, children to parents, kids to adults, etc., but we seldom acknowledge that." I genuinely wanted to hear what he had to say.

NDAA asked that we refrain from posting videos of Coach Freeman, but I can tell you he mentioned both Irish quarterback Riley Leonard—especially after the NIU loss and Irish safety D.J. Brown. Next time you see me, ask me about his answers and I'll say more.

The last question from the audience was about Coach Freeman's recent conversion to Catholicism. His answer was just beautiful. He said "I'm not a demonstrative or outspoken guy when it comes to my faith." His admission did not surprise me. In fact it reminded me of St Francis of Assisi who said "preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words."

What Coach Freeman did say however was "before you know, you have to trust. Trust beyond knowing. Building that trust, living in that trust—it's all a different way of saying have faith." At this point, I wasn't sure if he was talking about sport or about spirituality. Probably both. 

One of the first quotes I have my students in Sports and Spirituality write down is also from Pope Paul VI. He said, "Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses." Attending the Spring Alumni Association meeting has made me—a teacher into a witness as well. Our time with Coach Freeman was a gift. His insight on leadership, relationships, striving for excellence and faith was powerful and poignant. I heard a great homily, but what I saw will stay with me for years to come.

Photo Credits
TGS
Dick Corbett
Mass at ND

What to Watch: Here Come the Irish

Although we have entered into 55 straight days of football, Notre Dame fans have a two week drought. With a bye for the October 5 weekend, I found myself with a free Saturday—a fall day full of opportunities and at minimum four hours—usually accounted for by the Irish. However, as true fans know, that freedom also creates a void. Looking to mind the gap, I found an answer in Here Come the Irish. It scratched the itch, offering new talking points and input on both sports and spirituality. 

"Here Come the Irish" is a seven-episode Peacock Original docuseries that follows the legendary Fighting Irish football team as they make their way through the 2024 college football season. In their marketing genius, only the first two episodes are available before the season. This means that a loyal Irish patron will keep the subscription throughout the season and after. And I will.

Episode One: Choose Hard begins with a wonderful example of the symbiosis of Sport and Spirituality. The season has yet to begin and so does this particular day. The silence that surrounds Notre Dame stadium is interrupted by the rhythm of Cicadas, hidden from sight, nestled in the trees on the Library Quad. 

The distinctive voice of Marcus Freeman speaks to something so spiritual. He says

I try to get my workouts in the morning. Sometimes I will run, sometimes I will walk—depending on what day it is, but I love it empty. I love being here and reflecting on the work that has to get done. You look for a place where you can get a bit of solitude. This is holy ground, man. What better place that being in the stadium at this time in the morning.

Few Fightin' Irish fans would disagree. It is holy ground. While we don't have that opportunity to get inside the stadium, alone, early in the morning to find the time and space to reflect, pray meditate AND exercise, I'm glad we have a coach that can and does.

My sense is this spiritual practice is what prompts Coach Free to give inspiring, important messages. Moreover it yields an authenticity that gets his players and fans to actually believe him. In his opening speech, he proclaims the goal for the preseason. He says, "our focus as a football team, as a football program—as players, coaches and staff— is to chase the best version of you. Don't worry about anything else. If we can get 100+ people in the Notre Dame football program to be the best version of themselves—then watch out! That's called reaching your full potential."

The program flashes iconic images and popular rhetoric—tradition, legendary players and coaches, values and principles, the personal and team goals. It captures who we are and who we want to be. Coach Holtz himself says, “for those who know Notre Dame, no explanation’s necessary. Those who don’t, no explanation will suffice.” That is the spirituality of Notre Dame football. 

In 2024, the program is led by a man who is telling his athletes to undertake an endeavor that is truly countercultural: Choose Hard. I would argue that true Christianity asks the same. 

Football and other sports might be one of the few arenas where we welcome the invitation and opportunity to take on challenges and face difficulty head on. Athletics demands that we do this to grow, succeed and win. We do it alone and with others, guided by leaders—many who are good and some who are not. And still, we carry on, endure and persevere. 

Coach Freeman isn't the only person who has ever said this. I should think in his own life and as a Catholic, he has listened to many voices. I hope on those early morning runs, inside Notre Dame Stadium—a beautiful one is that of Our Lady, Notre Dame. She speaks to us all...it's just that at a place like ND we have lots of reminders to listen to her...and her Son.

Photo Credits
Here come the Irish
Coach Free
#Peacock

This Advent: Sacred Stories with....Notre Dame Running Back Audric Estimé

During this season of Advent, the Notre Dame Alumni Association sends a daily video reflection featuring alumni, students, faculty, and staff to help anyone and everyone ready our hearts and make way for the joy of our Savior’s birth at Christmas. The focus of these testimonials varies from year to year. This Advent, "members of the Notre Dame family, offer  their most sacred and meaningful moments on our beloved campus."

The Sacred Stories of Notre Dame: A Daily Advent Journey "range from tales of life-changing experiences in the classroom and moments of stillness at the Grotto to the power of family memory and unforgettable mentors." Each one is different. Each story is inspiring. And the one for December 8, featuring Audric Estimé should not be missed.

I receive a text reminder each afternoon to log-in and take a look. I will admit I am anxious and excited to see Will know the narrator? I wonder—What University administrator might they profile. Will I hear from a classmate? And I would be lying if I said otherwise, but I always want to know what athletes and coaches weigh in.

To see the star running back, Audric Estimé brought a huge smile to my face. Talk about big time, Estimé was the life blood of the offense. He is undoubtedly one of the more exciting and dominant players in college football. Take one look at this hype video—released before the Ohio State game and his physical stature speaks for itself.

But, Day 6 of Sacred Stories reveals Audric Estimé is so much more. He is a student-athlete, a political science major, a man of faith, he has an active prayer life and I believe he is genuinely joyful. Take note of how many times he smiles! I give him so much credit. He lost his mother at an early age and struggled in college—like so many other men and women do. He is a beloved member of an extended family and a valued member of the Notre Dame family—a place he realized "was the only school that brought together the three most essential things in my life right now — faith, academics, and football." He added,  "I realized all my goals and dreams were on the right trajectory. I truly felt that God had a path for me, and that path was Notre Dame." 

I am grateful to have walked that same path. I am thankful for my own family and the Notre Dame family. I'll show you and wear the green jersey any day. A happy and holy Advent.

Photo Credits
Audric photo is from the video: Day 6 of Sacred Stories

Marcus Freeman: Heart of Gold

A highlight of Spring Break 2022 was the opportunity to participate in this year's Alumni Association Leadership Conference, with approximately 150 leaders from the US and beyond, on campus at Notre Dame. It was an exciting three day gathering of networking, sharing, and celebrating—focused on listening and learning about leadership and its importance. With full knowledge of the audience, the Alumni Association made sure enthusiastic alumni and friends were able to meet with a new, dynamic and principled leader: Coach Marcus Freeman.

In her session "Leading Ourselves in a Changing World...Bringing Our Whole Selves to Our Work," one of the keynote speakers, Dr. Angela Logan identified what it means to be a Tender-Strong-True leader (those are words to describe Notre Dame, Our Mother). She believes one characteristic of a "Strong" leader is that they: Have deeply-rooted moral and spiritual values and convictions that are the fruit of deep reflection. Her teaching invited me to consider where leaders acquire those moral and spiritual values. 

As a teacher in a Catholic school, I want my students name Saint Francis High School as one answer. As a member of a parish, I hope my fellow parishioners would name St. Vincent de Paul as another. Where else? And what if you are unaffiliated with a faith tradition or community? Where and how do you form those values and convictions. 

My friend Father Paul, a Holy Cross priest said relationships are a valuable place for young people and all leaders to develop and deepen their values. I know he is right; I have experienced this in my own life. My family, mentors, friends, classmates and teammates have had a deep and lasting impact on who I am and what I believe. Their example, their own convictions, choices and sacrifices continue to influence my reflection and in turn, what I value. And this realization is yet another example of why I am excited and encouraged by the naming of Marcus Freeman as the 30th head coach for the Fightin' Irish of Notre Dame.

In the days, weeks and months to come, there is no shortage of what you can learn and read about Coach Freeman. I would like for this post to offer but two insights on his value as a Strong leader who has deeply rooted moral and spiritual values.

The power of personal example
Marcus and Joanna Freeman are the parents of six children: four boys and two girls. As you might suspect, people want to know how me manages coaching, being a husband and father of young kids. 

Freeman said "I usually have one to four of my kids with me at a time. They will come to practice and they love to run around, play together, or watch the players. Whether we have a meal or share 20 minutes during that time, it's something. I want my players to see the example of their coach as a father and a husband. So many of them did not have that example in their own lives. I think this is important."

Teachers are reminded time and again that our students are watching us. We need to remember that our example speaks volume. Coach Freeman lives this message in 3-D!

Bringing Spirituality back to Sport
Marcus Freeman, who played linebacker at Ohio State University was recruited by the Irish and made an official visit in the Fall of 2002. He said, "I went to Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and joined the team as they walked to Notre Dame Stadium before the game. That ritual made such an impression on me."

During the Kelly era, the team went to Mass on Friday walked from the Gug (Guglielmino Athletics Complex) to the stadium on game day.

He added, "I told Ron Powlus how much I loved that tradition.He turned to me, smiled and said 'well, there's only one person who can make that change'."

Freeman was happy to report "so we will return to the Basilica on Saturdays. I want to do that because two hours before the game, you are so vulnerable. It's important to open your heart. Sitting in Church allows us to see the bigger picture and listen to God's word. Here at Notre Dame we embrace our faith."

I was able to see for myself that Coach Freeman practiced what he preached as I watched the football team exit the Basilica on Saturday morning before the Blue and Gold game.

Notre Dame Women Connect Board, Spring 2022

Tender, Strong and True
In Marcus Freeman, I see a leader who is tender, strong and true. I am excited about the relationships he is building in the Notre Dame family and to strengthen the Notre Dame family. I appreciate that he is a man of strong moral and spiritual values and convictions. In his speech to alumni, it became clear to me that decisions he has made are the fruit of reflection, rooted in his values. 

The final presentation of the conference, How Do You Achieve Impact as a Leader? was given by Father Dan Groody, C.S.C. He admitted that early in his life, he desire was to become a great downhill skier, and not a priest. As he got older he wanted to study under the Golden Dome. Once he got to Notre Dame, he found that he began searching for a golden heart. He said "Neil Young got it write when he sang about searching for a Heart of Gold." Well, Irish, I think we have found one in Coach Marcus Freeman. I could be wrong, but all signs are pointing true north.

Photo Credits
Freeman Family
Coach and Players