Even though the Fighting Irish’s on-field achievements have brought them greater attention recently, Marcus Freeman, the head coach of Notre Dame, and his wife, Joanna Freeman, are renowned for placing a strong focus on family. Vinny (17), Siena (12), Gino (11), Nico (9), Capri (7), and Rocco (6) are the couple’s six proud children.
Marcus also has an 18-year-old daughter from a previous relationship named Bria. Joanna acknowledged that the pair has had ups and downs despite having a large family.
Joanna talked candidly about the couple’s early relationship difficulties in an interview with Pete Thamel for Yahoo Sports in December 2021.
At the time, Joanna stated, “We don’t have a very romantic love story.” We experienced several breakups and reconciliations. We hit the ground hard. We dropped quickly. When we first met, we were rather young, yet in many respects, we developed into grownups together.
What you should know about the Notre Dame coach, his spouse, and their family is provided here.
Marcus Freeman on Attention as Notre Dame Head Coach: ‘I Just Got to Try to Keep My Wife Happy’
Fans have taken notice of Marcus in addition to Notre Dame’s on-field achievements. In an interview with “The Pivot” podcast on August 26, 2025, Marcus was asked how he felt about being recognized for his appearance.
“Dude, you know what I mean when I say that I try to avoid that as much as possible.” Marcus answered. “This question will not have a decent response.
I just have to make an effort to maintain my wife’s happiness, I’ll tell you that. That’s all. You get what I mean when I say that I let people say whatever they want to say in order to make my wife happy, man?
Marcus Freeman Described Wife Joanna Freeman as an ‘Italian Pistol’
Marcus was a star player at Ohio State when the pair first met. According to Yahoo Sports, Joanna and Marcus shared an apartment building in Columbus.
“Her heart is the purest,” Marcus said in 2021 to Yahoo Sports. She is devoted to her loved ones and family. It’s not always been simple. I can take her for granted sometimes. She is a handgun made in Italy.
She will be prepared to retaliate if I act rudely. However, she is really devoted. She is the only person I would prefer spend my life with.
Joanna Freeman on Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman: ‘(He) Truly Wants (the) Best for the People Around Him’
Since Marcus switched from playing to coaching, which resulted in spells at several institutions, Joanna has been by his side. One of the difficulties of representing one of the nation’s most illustrious collegiate football schools is that Marcus must spend a lot of time away from his family.
Joanna said, “It would be difficult for me to cope with his absence if I believed that, as his wife, his heart wasn’t in the right place.” “However, I am aware that he is having a positive influence, that he genuinely wants the best for those around him, and that he wants to improve people.”
