“I want our players to see their coaches as fathers.” These words were spoken by Marcus Freeman, the head coach of Notre Dame’s football team. It’s a philosophy that he carries both on and off the field, and one that he believes holds a sense of power. But for Freeman, this philosophy presents unique challenges, as he not only wears the hat of a coach, but also that of a father to his own NCAA athlete son.
Freeman’s journey to becoming the head coach of Notre Dame’s football team has been a long and challenging one. He started his career as a graduate assistant at Ohio State, and then moved on to coach at various universities before finally landing at Notre Dame. Along the way, he faced numerous obstacles and had to make tough decisions, but through it all, he always kept his family at the forefront.
As a coach, Freeman understands the importance of building a strong relationship with his players. He believes that in order for them to perform at their best, they need to trust and respect their coaches. And what better way to earn that trust and respect than by being a father figure to them?
Freeman’s approach to coaching is not just about winning games, but also about shaping young men into responsible and successful individuals. He wants his players to see him as a mentor, someone they can turn to for guidance and support both on and off the field. And this is where his ‘dad hat’ philosophy comes into play.
For Freeman, being a father to his players means being there for them in every aspect of their lives. It means being a role model, a disciplinarian, and a friend. He understands that his players are away from their families and need someone to fill that void. And he takes this responsibility very seriously.
But being a coach and a father at the same time is not an easy task. Freeman has to balance his time between his team and his family, and this can be challenging at times. He has to be present for his players during practices, games, and team meetings, while also being there for his son’s games and important moments in his life.
Freeman’s son, Marc, is a talented athlete who plays for the University of Cincinnati’s football team. As a father, Freeman wants to be there for every game and support his son, but as a coach, he also has a responsibility towards his own team. This can be a tough balancing act, but Freeman manages it with grace and determination.
In an interview, Freeman shared his thoughts on being a coach and a father to an NCAA athlete. He said, “It’s definitely a unique situation, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love being a coach, and I love being a father. And I’m blessed to have the opportunity to do both at the same time.”
Freeman’s son, Marc, also spoke about his father’s ‘dad hat’ philosophy and how it has impacted his life. He said, “My dad has always been there for me, not just as a coach, but as a father. He’s taught me so much about the game of football, but more importantly, he’s taught me about life. I’m grateful to have him as my coach and my dad.”
Freeman’s approach to coaching has not only earned him the respect and admiration of his players, but also the entire football community. He is seen as a leader who not only cares about winning games, but also about the well-being of his players. And this is what makes him stand out as a coach and a father.
In conclusion, Marcus Freeman’s ‘dad hat’ philosophy is a testament to his dedication and passion for both coaching and fatherhood. He understands the importance of being a father figure to his players and how it can positively impact their lives. As he continues to lead Notre Dame’s football team, he will undoubtedly continue to wear his ‘dad hat’ with pride and inspire others to do the same.
