Marcus Freeman will remain Notre Dame's head coach despite mounting interest from NFL teams, sources told ESPN. The coach received an enhanced contract last month. Speculation intensified after Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin announced he was stepping down after 19 seasons. Freeman is scheduled to hold a news conference Wednesday, fueling further rumors.

The 39-year-old coach led the Fighting Irish to the CFP National Championship game last January. He guided the program to 10 straight regular-season wins this fall before a CFP snub and an eventual bowl opt-out. Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua previously called Freeman the best coach for the program. He promised to do everything possible to keep him in South Bend.

Freeman has been linked to several high-profile vacancies, including the New York Giants. The Giants are among teams courting former Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh. With nine NFL teams currently seeking new head coaches, Freeman’s decision removes a prominent name from the market. It solidifies stability for a Notre Dame program aiming to return to the playoff next season.