ATLANTA – Before Marcus Freeman, as a young athlete, announced his college decision, he playfully displayed the hats of his top school choices on a table. One of those was Notre Dame.

When he ultimately picked Ohio State, he gifted the Notre Dame cap to his greatest supporter, defensive coordinator Pat Wood from Wayne High School in Huber Heights, Ohio. Wood told YSL News last week that he still proudly wears that hat. He certainly wore it with pride on Monday night as Freeman coached Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff national championship.

“I strive to make him proud,” Freeman stated about Wood during Saturday’s CFP Media Day. “He has significantly influenced my life.”

On Monday, while Freeman fell short of securing a championship — with the Fighting Irish losing to the Buckeyes 34-23 — he still made a significant mark in history. By taking the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, he became the first African American and Asian American head coach to lead a team in a CFP national championship game.

The matchup was particularly ironic because Freeman is truly an Ohio native. He grew up about an hour’s drive from Columbus. It felt almost destined when he committed to Ohio State as one of the top linebacker recruits. Freeman, who played inside linebacker for the Buckeyes, attended two BCS national title games during his playing career but didn’t secure a championship.

When Freeman became the head coach at Notre Dame in 2021, Wood couldn’t help but smile.

“It felt like everything had come full circle,” Wood remarked.

Wood noted that Freeman’s exceptional football IQ was evident even in high school. He possessed a natural instinct that couldn’t be taught, which has been evident in his coaching style.

“Some coaches get so focused on the tactical aspects, offensive and defensive strategies,” Wood explained, “that they neglect the actual players implementing those plans, the kids. (Freeman) ensures that every player feels valued.”

Following an unexpected early-season defeat at home against unranked Northern Illinois, Freeman remained steadfast. He charted a path that aimed to involve everyone, ultimately leading to the national championship game.

“Marcus Freeman deserves every accolade and recognition,” defensive coordinator Al Golden commented. “It stands as one of the finest examples of the human spirit that I’ve ever seen.”

Mia Fishman is a student in the University of Georgia’s undergraduate Sports Media Certificate program.