Marcus Freeman, James Franklin Signal New Era for Black College Football Coaches

The success of Notre Dame‘s Marcus Freeman and Penn State‘s James Franklin in the 2025 College Football Playoff semifinal marks a pivotal moment in the history of college football. For the first time, two Black head coaches faced off in a playoff game, signaling a shift toward greater equality in a sport where Black coaches have historically been underrepresented.

Freeman, 38, and Franklin, 52, represent a new generation of Black coaches breaking barriers in college football. Their achievements come amid a broader conversation about racial equity in sports, where only 16 of 134 head coaches at the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level are Black, despite more than half of the players being Black.

Freeman’s strategic brilliance was on full display during Notre Dame’s quarterfinal victory over Georgia. With 7:17 left in the game, Freeman orchestrated a daring play that caught Georgia off guard, leading to a critical first down and sealing the win. ESPN commentator Greg McElroy praised Freeman’s tactical acumen, a recognition that challenges historical stereotypes about Black coaches being limited to recruiting and player relations.

Franklin’s journey, meanwhile, reflects the resilience required for Black coaches to succeed at the highest levels. Despite a 1-10 record against Ohio State and a 1-14 record against top-5 teams, Penn State has stood by Franklin, allowing him to build a program that is now contending for a national championship. This patience contrasts sharply with the experiences of other Black coaches, such as Charlie Strong at Texas and Kevin Sumlin at Texas A&M, who were dismissed after shorter tenures.

The expansion of the College Football Playoff from four to 12 teams has also played a role in creating opportunities for coaches like Freeman and Franklin. This change, which has been likened to a metaphor for broader societal progress, has allowed more programs to compete for championships and has opened doors for underrepresented coaches.

As Freeman and Franklin prepare for their semifinal clash, their success is a testament to the sacrifices of previous generations of Black coaches who paved the way. While neither coach has yet won a national championship, their presence in the playoff represents a significant step forward. As Jesse Washington, a journalist and documentary filmmaker, noted, ‘The small moments in the journeys of Freeman and Franklin announce the arrival of a new era.’