Notre Dame Captains Approve of Marcus Freeman Hire

Notre Dame's players made it very clear Marcus Freeman should be the next head coach of the Fighting Irish last week. 

Players took to Social Media to express their thoughts and while it might not have made Jack Swarbrick's decision, it did provide confirmation Freeman was the right hire in the eyes of the team. 

Captain Kurt Hinish only has one more game left in the blue and gold, but he wanted to make sure the future of Notre Dame football was in good hands. 

"It's really exciting," Hinish said. "Drew (White) and I have had a relationship with Coach Freeman for his 11 months here. It was in this team's best interest and we all felt that way from top to bottom. It's nice to see the results we wanted."

Why did Hinish feel so strong about Freeman? 

"He cares more about you as a person than he does as a player," stated Hinish. "When you see something like that, it means a lot to you because you don't see that a lot." 

White had similar feelings as Hinish, but may have felt even stronger as Freeman was his position coach over the last year. 

"I've had the chance to be around him through the linebacker room and being a defensive player," explained White. "I've seen it. He just has a contagious energy to him. He brings young men together. I've never seen the linebacker group as close as we are. 

"The meetings we have, the walk-throughs and the way we communicate with each other, I've never seen a group of guys closer." 

Last Friday, Freeman was introduced to the team as the head coach and the moment went viral. The entire world saw the celebration, but the pure joy from everyone in the locker room. 

"It was special," Hinish said. "He's a special guy and he means a lot to this program. He means a lot to us. It wasn't just the defensive guys getting excited about the new hire. It was the offensive guys too. It says a lot." 

Hinish and White also know the work isn't done yet as they want to accomplish one more thing with Freeman before their collegiate careers are over. 

"Drew and I were talking about it yesterday that Notre Dame hasn't won New Year's Six game," explained Hinish. "We are going to do our best to win and we're going to win that football game. We're excited to win it with our new coach." 

Hinish did admit he wished he could play for Freeman, but he's also more than ready to take on the next step of his life. 

"I'm ready to leave," laughed Hinish. "I've been here a long time. I'd love to stay with Coach Freeman and be part of his journey, but I have a younger brother coming next year and he'll get to experience that." 

Donovan Hinish‍ will sign with the Irish next week and he didn't hesitate on his commitment to Notre Dame despite Brian Kelly's departure. 

"He didn't have a choice," said Hinish. "He was coming to Notre Dame regardless. It didn't matter if they cut Coach Freeman or anyone. He was coming to Notre Dame."