The first Black head coach to make a national title game means so much more than what Brett Favre will try to tell you…

Marcus Freeman’s recent achievement as the first Black and Asian head coach to lead a team to the FBS national championship game is a significant milestone in college football.

Following Notre Dame’s 27-24 victory over Penn State, Freeman was asked about the significance of this accomplishment. He responded by emphasizing the collective effort of his team, stating, “I don’t ever want to take attention away from the team… This isn’t about me; this is about us.”

NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre praised Freeman’s response, describing the question as “terrible” and asserting that sports should unite rather than separate people.

Freeman’s historic achievement highlights the ongoing underrepresentation of minority coaches in college football. Currently, only 16 of 134 FBS teams have Black head coaches, with just seven in power conferences. This disparity underscores the need for systemic change to provide more opportunities for qualified minority candidates in leadership roles.

While Freeman acknowledges the honor of his accomplishment, he consistently redirects focus to his team’s efforts and the importance of providing opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of race. His success serves as both a testament to the progress made and a reminder of the work still needed to achieve greater inclusivity in sports leadership.