Marcus Freeman Discusses Wife Joanna Amid Notre Dame Coaching Success

South Bend, Indiana – Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has openly acknowledged the critical role his wife, Joanna Freeman, plays in his life and career as he rises in the competitive world of college football. The couple first met when Marcus was a football player at Ohio State and Joanna worked as a television reporter.

Together, the Freemans are proud parents of six children: Rocco (6), Capri (7), Nico (9), Gino (11), Siena (12), and Vinny (17). Marcus is also the father of 18-year-old Bria from a previous relationship.

During an interview on August 26, 2025, Freeman addressed the growing attention toward his looks and the remarks revolving around his image. “I try to stay away from that as much as I can,” he said. “I just got to try to keep my wife happy. That’s it.”

Marcus frequently praises Joanna for her support, noting that without her unconditional love, he could not perform his duties effectively. In a Mother’s Day post on Instagram in May 2024, he celebrated both his wife and mother, expressing gratitude for their impact on his family. “I’m so blessed to have these two amazing women in my life,” he wrote.

The couple’s journey has not been without challenges. Joanna candidly shared in a December 30, 2021, interview that their relationship included several ups and downs. “We don’t have a super romantic love story. We had a lot of breakups and make-ups,” she said, highlighting their growth together as a couple. “We were really young when we met.”

Marcus has also credited Joanna for deepening his commitment to the Catholic faith, which he embraced in 2022. His faith journey aligns with Joanna’s long-standing practice, enhancing their spiritual bond.

As Freeman continues to attract attention on and off the field, the support of his family remains his foundation. “To do what I do, you have to have the most unselfish wife in the world,” he remarked, underscoring Joanna’s importance in his life.