Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images
Marcus Freeman is used to getting second-guessed for his every move, but the Notre Dame head coach seized an opportunity to switch roles.
During Monday’s press conference, Freeman playfully grilled Irish Illustrated reporter Tim O’Malley about his flag football coaching duties. Freeman’s son, Nico, plays for the team.
Freeman noted that O’Malley left two red-zone visits without any points in the second and third-grade championship game. He inquired about O’Malley’s play-calling, which included a reverse pass that resulted in an interception.
Here’s Marcus Freeman turning the tables on Irish Illustrated’s @timomalleyND during Monday’s press conference. O’Malley coaches Freeman’s son’s flag football team and Freeman had a couple hard hitting questions on some coaching decisions/mishaps. pic.twitter.com/jIKtJkuQKQ
— ND Football Discord (@NDF_Discord) October 23, 2023
Freeman seemed satisfied with O’Malley’s admission that he should probably have stuck with the run despite the defense focusing on stymying the ground game.
Next up, Freeman recalled a long run by Nico that got negated because his son only had one flag on his waste. He asked who was responsible for this oversight.
O’Malley at first took culpability before throwing another coach under the bus. Freeman didn’t appreciate that tactic.
“Oh, you’re passing blame? Come on, Tim. You need to own it now,” Freeman teased.
With Notre Dame off, Freeman had the weekend to watch his son’s game. He seemed to still be in a good mood following the Fighting Irish’s 48-20 win over USC on Oct. 14.
Notre Dame picked off Caleb Williams three times and recovered two fumbles in a lopsided win at South Bend. Despite losing to Ohio State and Louisville, Freeman’s squad climbed back up to No. 14 in the AP poll.
The Fighting Irish return to action against Pittsburgh this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.