Marcus Freeman, the head coach of American football at Notre Dame, and his wife Joanna view Freeman as their family’s mentor and supporter.These college-time sweethearts got married about 3 years after graduation.
A heart condition robbed former linebacker Marcus of his playing career. But he could never get away from football and his career as a coach he followed. And his wife Joanna has always been by his side during all these hardships. Freeman, a standout defensive coordinator at Notre Dame, became its head coach in late 2021 and began the 2024-23 season.
Who is Marcus Freeman Wife?
Joanna Freeman, wife of Marcus Freeman a football head coach at Notre Dame (Source: Instagram)Be it social media posts or interviews, Marcus always leaves no room to show his respect and honor to his wife.After more than a decade as husband and wife, the couple are now parents to their six children.
Joanna Freeman, wife of Marcus Freeman Early life and education
Joanna was born to American parents. But her birth name is Joanna Hernken. She also grew up in Massillon, Ohio, where she attended Washington High School. After that, Joanna attended Ohio State University and graduated. But there is more insight into his early life and his family background.
What is she doing now?
Joanna doesn’t have a current job, but with six children to look after, she can always be busy as a great homemaker. Not to mention, she is a mentor and supports her husband a lot.
Read more: Lincoln Riley Wife
Joanna Freeman Married Life and Children
Marcus Freeman and Joanna are among the sports couples whose love story started during their college days. But they’ve been together for over a decade, and their love only seems to grow stronger with time.
The couple met while attending Ohio State University and began dating shortly after in the late 2000s. The pair married on February 20, 2010, the same year that Maccas graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sports and leisure studies.
Joanna Freeman’s role in the career of Marcus Freeman
Joanna Freeman played a much more important role in her husband’s career decisions. In an article published in The Players’ Tribune in December 2021, Marcus Freeman said his wife once suggested he choose Notre Dame.
When Brian Kelly left for Louisiana State University (LSU) after its regular season in 2021, he made a special request for Freeman to watch the postseason games as a defensive coordinator. However, Marcus and Joanna considered the decision carefully considering the impact it would have on their family (especially the six kids) and this Notre Dame team.
Career as a coach and player
Marcus, the youngest of two children of Michael and Chong Freeman, began his football career at an early age. But it was that interest that led him to become an American football coach in particular. Since December 3, 2021, Freeman has served as the football head coach for the Fighting Irish at Notre Dame.
Marcus Freeman Wife Net Worth and Salary
Joanna Freeman has not yet disclosed her occupation and her exact net worth remains unknown. But as the wife of a successful college football coach, she more than certainly lives a quality life. As of March 2024, her husband, Marcus Freeman’s net worth is around $3 million.
Former college head coach Brian Kelly was making about $2.7 million before going to LSU, which offered him about $2.7 million. In 2021, when Freeman joined Notre Dame as defensive coordinator (before being promoted to head coach), his salary was about $1.7 million.
Before that, while at the University of Cincinnati, DC, his annual income was recorded at around $800,000. But Marcus couldn’t resist getting emotional as he thanked his wife Joanna Freeman for her support.