The Notre Dame head coach is currently married to Joanna Freeman, the mother of six of his children.
Highlights
- Marcus Freeman has kept details about his past relationship with Aynsley Collier, with whom he shares an 18-year-old daughter, Bria, largely private.
- Marcus is currently married to Joanna Freeman, with whom he has six children.
- Marcus Freeman’s coaching career began in 2010 at Ohio State University. He has since held various coaching positions and is currently the head coach of Notre Dame’s football team, leading them to significant success.
Marcus Freeman, the head coach of Notre Dame’s football team, has maintained a private stance regarding his past relationship with Aynsley Collier, with whom he shares an 18-year-old daughter, Bria.
While Freeman is publicly recognized for his coaching career and current family life, details about his relationship with Collier and their daughter remain largely undisclosed.
🏈 14 wins this season (program record)
— ESPN (@espn) January 21, 2025
🏈 7 wins vs. AP-ranked opp. (most in FBS)
🏈 Beat Indiana, Georgia and Penn State in the CFP
🏈 An incredible season from Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame 👏 pic.twitter.com/cdXoiKyklg
Marcus Welcomed His First Daughter While Still In College
During his time at Ohio State University, Freeman was in a relationship with Aynsley Collier.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Bria, on December 9, 2007.
Despite their initial happiness, the relationship between Marcus and Aynsley eventually came to an end.
The reasons for their breakup remain private, as Marcus has consistently chosen to keep this part of his life out of the public eye.
As of early 2025, little is known about Aynsley and Bria.
According to Aynsley’s Instagram, she has since found a loving partner with whom she has had two more daughters.
Her feed features glimpses from her familial life, including Bria’s schooling and volleyball journey.
In a birthday post for her eldest daughter, Aynsley wrote,
Bria Milee you are SO loved. I am so proud of you, not only for what you do, but for who you are! You are goal driven and a hard worker. You’re super smart and basically have 100% in all of your classes lol. You are kind to everyone and extra patient with those who need it. You are a loyal friend and teammate. Your volleyball knowledge is incredible, and you can commentate better than the professionals 😄 You can get better at texting back, but we will work on that lol. Yay for 15!! We love celebrating you!!
INSTAGRAM
Marcus Found Love Again With Current Wife, Joanna Freeman
After his relationship with Aynsley Collier ended, Marcus Freeman found love again with Joanna Freeman.
The couple met during Marcus’s time as a collegiate athlete and got married in February 2010.
Joanna, originally from Massillon, Ohio, was a student at Otterbein University and later worked as a news reporter before dedicating herself to raising their family.
Marcus and Joanna have six children together: Vinny, Siena, Gino, Nico, Capri, and Rocco.
Vinny, the eldest, is 17-year-old and actively participates in high school football and wrestling.
The other children, ranging in age from 6 to 12, are also involved in various activities, reflecting the family’s strong emphasis on sports and education.
Marcus’s Coaching Career Began In 2010 At His Alma Mater
Marcus Freeman’s career in football began as a standout linebacker at Ohio State University, where he played from 2004 to 2008.
Freeman was known for his defensive prowess during his time with the Buckeyes, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2007 and 2008.
He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft but had a brief professional career due to a heart condition.
HISTORIC: Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman was the first black head coach to ever appear in the National Championship game.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 21, 2025
Freeman had one of the best seasons by a head coach in ND history and was the best leader in the nation.
Despite the loss, history was made by Marcus Freeman. pic.twitter.com/fXsXeOKnHM
Freeman transitioned to coaching, starting as a graduate assistant at Ohio State in 2010.
He then held various coaching positions at Kent State, Purdue, and Cincinnati before joining Notre Dame as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 2021.
His impressive performance led to his promotion to head coach later that year.
Under his leadership, Notre Dame has achieved significant success, including a 14-1 season and a trip to the national championship game.
Additional Information
- Marcus Freeman converted to Catholicism in August 2022, just before his first season as the head coach of Notre Dame. He made his preparation with the team chaplain and was received into the Church at a special Mass at the university’s Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
- Freeman affectionately refers to his wife, Joanna, as an “Italian pistol.” She grew up in an Italian-American family in the Cleveland area and has been a significant support in his coaching career.
- Marcus Freeman made history by becoming the first black head coach and the first head coach of Asian descent to reach the national championship game.
