In Miami Gardens, Florida, Penn State coach James Franklin and Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman sat together on Wednesday morning, fully aware of the historic moment that lies ahead for them. Their meeting transcends the realm of football. The upcoming Orange Bowl matchup between Franklin’s No. 6-seeded Nittany Lions (13-2) and Freeman’s No. 7-seeded Fighting Irish (13-1) will mark the first-ever encounter between Black coaches in a College Football Playoff semifinal. The victor of this game will earn the distinction of being the first Black coach to compete for a national championship on January 20, facing either Texas or Ohio State.
Taking place at the iconic Hard Rock Stadium, where Super Bowl XLI was held in 2007, this game holds significance reminiscent of the historic clash between two Black head coaches in the NFL’s championship game. Tony Dungy’s Colts emerged victorious over Lovie Smith’s Bears with a score of 29-17 on February 4, 2007.
Speaking at a joint press conference on Wednesday, Franklin reflected on the impact of that pivotal Super Bowl encounter, emphasizing its significance for aspiring coaches and the coaching profession as a whole. The hope is that their game will pave the way for increased opportunities for deserving Black coaches in the future.
Notably, Freeman, in his third season at Notre Dame, acknowledged the profound impact that leading a team to a national championship as a Black coach signifies. He expressed his commitment to continuous improvement and setting an example for others, both within the program and beyond.
In terms of player updates, Franklin expressed optimism regarding the potential participation of defensive end Abdul Carter, who is currently listed as a game-time decision following an arm injury in the previous game. Freeman, on the other hand, affirmed that running back Jeremiyah Love is expected to be ready for Thursday’s game, with Jadarian Price prepared to step up if needed.
Notre Dame’s resurgence as a national championship contender under Freeman has been underscored by their prowess in running the ball and defending against the run. Over the past seasons, the Fighting Irish have made significant strides in their rushing game, a testament to their mindset and determination under Freeman’s leadership.
As they prepare to make history on the football field, Franklin, Freeman, and their teams embody the spirit of progress and excellence in their pursuit of victory and representation in the sporting world.
“Emphasizing the urgency, we must act now,” stated Field Level Media.
