Notre Dame is on its strategy to making historical past after defeating Penn State within the Orange Bowl on Thursday night time to advance to its first nationwide championship sport because the 2012 season, with the hopes of successful its first title in practically 40 years.
Nevertheless, after the Preventing Irish’s victory, head coach Marcus Freeman was requested by ESPN reporter Molly McGrath how a lot the win meant because it pertains to him turning into the primary Black head coach to achieve a title game.
Notre Dame Preventing Irish head coach Marcus Freeman celebrates defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions within the Orange Bowl at Laborious Rock Stadium on Jan. 9, 2025. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Photos)
Freeman, who fielded comparable questions within the lead as much as this sport, refocused the dialog on his group and the importance of their win.
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“, I’ve mentioned this earlier than, I do not ever need to take consideration away from the group. It’s an honor, and I hope all coaches – minorities, Black, Asian, White, it would not matter – nice individuals proceed to get alternatives to guide younger males like this.”
He continued, “However this ain’t about me, that is about us. And we’re going to rejoice what we’ve finished as a result of it’s one thing particular.”
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and the group sing to followers after successful the Orange Bowl School Soccer Playoff semifinal sport in opposition to Penn State on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Picture/Rebecca Blackwell)
Some on social media took problem with the query. Amongst these critics was NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre, who praised Freeman for his response.
“Horrible query however nice response by Notre Dame head coach,” Favre wrote in a publish on X. “Sports activities ought to convey individuals collectively not separate.”
Freeman has fielded comparable questions on his race and the importance of his achievements since defeating Georgia within the Sugar Bowl final week. Every time, he has recentered the deal with the achievements of this system.
“You’re grateful to be part of this chance, and also you’re grateful anytime your identify is talked about with being the primary, however you don’t need to take away from how we acquired thus far, and I’m speaking about your group and all people that put the work in to get your program thus far and those who have come earlier than you,” he mentioned throughout a press convention early this week.
“Once more, this isn’t about me. This isn’t about one individual. It takes a group, it takes a program, and it takes lots of people committing to one thing greater than themselves to place your group ready to be right here. I perceive that, and I am very grateful for it,” he continued.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, left, greets a participant earlier than the Orange Bowl NCAA School Soccer Playoff semifinal sport in opposition to Penn State on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Picture/Rebecca Blackwell)
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Freeman added that his achievements creating extra alternatives for the longer term technology of coaches is “nice,” however he added that “the eye on one individual takes away what actually provides your program an opportunity to get right here.”
The main target for Notre Dame will now be on Friday night time’s Cotton Bowl Traditional. Ohio State will tackle Texas and the winner will advance to the School Soccer Playoff nationwide championship sport the place they’ll face Notre Dame on Jan. 20.
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