Marcus Freeman and his wife Joanna.
Michael Reeves/Getty ImagesNotre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman He had a wife, Joanna FreemanBy his side every step of his journey.
Marcus, 38, and Joanna met during Marcus' time at Ohio State University, where he was a star linebacker from 2004-08. Yahoo! SportsThe two were introduced by Marcus's best friend, Calvin PruittWhile Marcus and Joanna lived in the same apartment complex in Columbus.
At the time, Joanna was studying at nearby Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. She would become a news reporter at WBNS-Channel 10 in Columbus before she and Marcus started their family together.
Marcus was drafted in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears — and would later sign to the practice squads of the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans that same year — even though he never saw action in an NFL game.
Courtesy of Marcus Freeman/Instagram Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman has a great team off the field, too. Freeman, 38, who became Notre Dame's head football coach in December 2021, married his wife, Joanna Freeman, in 2010. The couple met during Marcus's time at Ohio State University, where Marcus was[…]
His coaching career began as a graduate assistant at Ohio State before stopping at Kent State University, Purdue University, and the University of Cincinnati. Marcus was named Notre Dame's head coach in December 2021.
Along the way, Joanna has been there through it all — including the Freemans becoming parents to six children together: son Vinnie17, daughter Siena12, son Gino11, son Nico9, daughter capri7, and son Rocco,6.
For a full timeline of Marcus and Joanna's relationship, keep reading.
2007
Marcus and Freeman welcomed their first child, a son Vinnie. Now a junior at Penn High School in Mishawaka, Indiana, Finney plays safety for the school's football team, is also an accomplished wrestler, and took an official visit to Cornell University in August 2024.
2010
The couple married just months before Freeman began his coaching journey as an assistant at his alma mater in Ohio.
2012
Marcos and Joanna welcomed their first daughter, SienaWhile Marcus was the running backs coach at Kent State University.
2013
The couple's second son, Ginowas born while Marcus was the running backs coach at Purdue University.
By July 2018, Marcus was already following in his footsteps with Gino and Vinny. “It's officially Freeman football season,” Marcus posted. Via InstagramThe brothers are shown wearing football helmets and standing with their father.
2015
Marcos and Joanna welcomed their son, NicoWhile Marcus was still working in Bordeaux. He will become the defensive coordinator at the University of Cincinnati in 2017.
“Happy 4th birthday Nico!” Marcus shared Via Instagram In 2019, he showed off a photo from a birthday celebration involving the then-Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell.
2017
The Freeman family welcomed their second daughter, caprito the world.
In the photo shared by Marcus Via InstagramAll four of Capri's siblings smiled and posed with their little sister shortly after she was born.
“Welcome to the world and to our Capri family!!” Marcus wrote.
2018
Sixth child of Marcus and Joanna Nicowas born shortly before the holiday.
“Merry Christmas from the Freeman crew,” Marcus shared. Via Instagram In December 2018, he shows off his entire family smiling in front of a fireplace full of socks.
2020
Marcus celebrated the couple's 10th wedding anniversary with a slideshow of photos of their life together.
“Celebrating 10 years of being married to the love of my life and joining the Freeman family.” Marcus wrote Via Instagram. “Happy anniversary Joe!”
2021
The entire Freeman family was on hand when Marcus signed a contract to become the 30th head coach in Notre Dame history.
“My family and I want to thank everyone for their overwhelming support,” Marcus wrote. Via Instagram. “This is a special community and we're lucky to still be a part of it. To my guys – let's go for this win! Go Irish!”
2023
Marcos celebrated Mother's Day with a photo of Joanna and his mother, Chung Freeman.
Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing mothers, today we celebrate you! partner Via Instagram. “I am especially grateful to these two special women – my wife, Joanna, and my mother!”
2025
Joanna and all six children Celebrate on the field with Marcus After Notre Dame defeated Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, earning them a trip to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
