Marcus Freeman, an American football head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, is one win away from hosting a College Football Playoff game.
His supportive wife, Joanna Herncane, has been with him throughout his career.
Highlights
- Marcus Freeman and Joanna Herncane began dating in 2004 and married on February 20, 2010.
- He has a daughter, Bria, from his previous relationship with Aynsley Collier.
- His father was a retired U.S. Air Force and met his mother during his service in South Korea.
Marcus Freeman, a graduate of Wayne High School, was named to the Parade All-America team and rated one of Ohio’s top three senior overall prospects.
He played 51 games at Ohio State University from 2004 to 2008 and became a two-time Second-team All-Big Ten selection. He finished his rookie season in 2004 and was redshirted in 2005.
Chicago Bears selected him in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL draft and renounced on September 4, 2009.
Later, on September 22, he signed up for the Buffalo Bills practice squad but was released in early October. Likewise, he signed with the Houston Texans on November 4.
On May 1, 2010, he retired due to an enlarged heart condition and began serving as a Graduate Assistant at his alma mater.
Marcus was hired as the Purdue linebackers coach in January 2013 and promoted to co-defensive coordinator for the 2016 season.
Furthermore, on December 13, 2016, he joined the Cincinnati Bearcats football staff as defensive coordinator and linebacker coach, transforming them into one of the best defenses in the AAC.
Head coach Brian Kelly‘s top choice, Marcus Freeman, joined Notre Dame on January 8, 2021, and became their 32nd head coach in program history on December 3, 2021.
Marcus Freeman’s Wife, Joanna Herncane, Helps Him In His Career Decision
Marcus Freeman and Joanna Herncane met in college and started dating in 2004. She was born on August 24, 1984, in Queens, New York and raised in Ohio.
Joanna pursued a journalism degree at Ohio State University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public relations, broadcasting, and speech communication from Otterbein University.
I’m so blessed to have these two amazing women in my life. They have impacted our family in so many ways with their selflessness and unconditional love.
— Marcus Freeman (@Marcus_Freeman1) May 12, 2024
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the incredible moms out there! pic.twitter.com/GTSeexmCPh
The lovebirds married on February 20, 2010, and have six children: Vinney, Siena, Gino, Nico, Capri, and Rocco. They have built a close-knit bond and share their moments on social media.
Moreover, the athlete also has a daughter, Bria, from his previous relationship with Aynsley Collier.
Marcus’ supportive wife has been a steadfast partner throughout his football career and his transition to coaching.
Her sports knowledge helped her encourage the coach during essential moments in his profession. She also suggested that he choose Notre Dame.
National outlets have considered him as one of the rising stars of the college coaching ranks.
Joanna was a news reporter at WBNS-Channel 10 in Columbus and a AAA Ohio Auto Club public relations manager.
Similarly, she is involved in community initiatives, including her contributions at Notre Dame, which include mentorship programs and workshops on academic integrity.
Her father, Melville Herncane, was actively engaged in local development initiatives and served as the president of the Massillon City Council.
Marcus Freeman’s Parent Met In South Korea
Marcus Freeman, the son of Michael Freeman and Chong Freeman, was born on January 10, 1986, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
He grew up with his elder brother, Michael Jr., at a medical center in Fairborn, Ohio.
Michael served in the U.S. Air Force and met Chong during his service in South Korea. Chong is originally from South Korea and moved to Ohio in 1976.
Afterward, they started living in Huber Heights. The head coach has honored his mother as a pillar of his life.
Being selfless – having an ability and the character to serve others. I think I got that from my mother. She’s a Korean woman who fell in love with this American guy that was stationed there in Korea. And she left all of her comfort back home in order to start a family with my dad in the United States. She’s taught me so much about sacrifice, how it can be its own reward
Marcus Freeman has mentioned.
He learned discipline, work ethic, and honesty from his father, whereas his mother taught him unselfishness and tireless work.
Moreover, his father taught him and his elder brother that only work ethic and motivation will get you where you want to go.
Michael was retired when Marcus was born, and he raised him with the structure that being in the Air Force for 26 years had taught him.
Well, I’m the son of a man who was in the Air Force 26 years and I’m the son of a woman who was born in Korea, then came over here in 1976.
Marcus Freeman
Addittional Information
- Marcus Freeman ran track while growing up and competed in the 4×100-meter relay, throwing the shot and discus.
- He was named the 247Sports Defensive Coordinator of the Year during the 2020 season.
- To remain in Cincinnati before the end of the 2020 season, he declined a handful of position offers from Ohio State, the Tennessee Titans, and Michigan State.
- His net worth is estimated at $5 million as of 2024.
