Marcus Freeman has led the No. 4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish to a 6-1 record this season, earning a spot on the 2026 Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Year Award watch list on Wednesday. However, after Notre Dame suffered its first loss of the season, falling 28-24 at then-No. 8 BYU on Saturday, with the Cougars taking Notre Dame’s No. 2 ranking a day later, fans aren’t in a celebratory mood.

The award is given to the coach who best displays excellence, integrity and leadership on and off the field. Ryan Day, Kirby Smart, Curt Cignetti and Kalani Sitake are some other head coaches on the watch list.

Many fans questioned the selection, as Notre Dame has not played any strong opponents other than BYU this season.

“Can he ever win a Big Game???” one fan asked.

“I love Coach Freeman, but he has to start winning the big games that matter! Every game matters, but at the end of the day, at a place like Notre Dame you get judged on the big games! Freeman needs to look in the mirror and realize his flaws and then change and improve! Go Irish!” one fan added.

“0-1 vs ranked teams by the way. Will be 0-2 after they get dog walked by Miami too,” another fan commented, referencing Notre Dame’s Nov. 8 home game with No. 1 Miami (6-0).

“Until he wins a BIG GAME and quits losing the ones he should win… not sure why he deserves coach of the year? Do better Coach, surround yourself with better coordinators too!!!” one fan reacted.

“Doesn’t deserve it,” one fan said.

“You mean Marcus ‘I choke on the big games’ Freeman? That guy???” one fan sarcastically asked.

Freeman is 49-13 (5-2 in postseason games) in his sixth year at Notre Dame. The Irish finished No. 2 in the 2024 season, falling 34-23 to his alma mater, Ohio State, in the College Football Playoff title game. They won the Gator Bowl in 2022 and the Sun Bowl in 2023. And he’s had three double-digit winning seasons. Last year, Notre Dame went 10-2 but opted out of playing a bowl game when the Irish weren’t chosen for the CFP.

Although Freeman has a strong overall mark, the storied program last won a national title in 1988, and fans are antsy. Plus, as an independent in football, the team is often criticized for a weak schedule. There are only three currently ranked teams on Notre Dame’s 2026 schedule. Notre Dame went 2-2 against ranked teams in 2025, failing to impress the CFP selection committee.

What Makes Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame Truly Special in 2026

After seven games, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s defense has stood out. The Irish lead the nation in total defense, allowing just 235 yards per game. They allow 13.4 points per game, tied for fifth-best nationally.

Moreover, Notre Dame is averaging 41.1 points per game, ranking sixth in the country. They scored at least 37 points in five of their first six victories, including the blowout wins over Stanford and Rice.

Freeman should be credited with the development of star players like running back Jeremiyah Love, who was a 2025 Heisman Trophy finalist and Doak Walker Award winner. Unanimous All-American defensive back Leonard Moore is another such name.