College Football

Marcus Freeman jokingly grills reporter who coaches son's flag football team

Published Oct. 23, 2023 6:21 p.m. ET

Notre Dame (6-2) is still fighting for a prestigious bowl berth, and head coach Marcus Freeman has had to answer some tough questions after losses to Ohio State and Louisville have throw a wrench in the Irish's College Football Playoff hopes.

That said, Freeman still found an opportunity to have a little fun with a local reporter during his media availability Monday. After answering a question from Irish Illustrated's Tim O'Malley, Freeman asked if it was his turn to ask O'Malley some hard-hitting questions of his own.

O'Malley, who happens to coach and calls offensive plays for the youth flag football team that Freeman's son plays for, agreed, and Freeman showed that he came prepared.

"Second- and third-grade championship, two trips to the red zone," Freeman began as the rest of the press corps burst into laughter. "Zero points. One play was a reverse pass that was intercepted in the red zone. … What are your thoughts on those red-zone play calls?"

O'Malley explained that he thought he could expose the opposing defense for zeroing in on the run game, but he admitted that it may have not been the wisest decision given the wet, muddy elements.

"That's good," Freeman responded. "Last question. There was a Nico Freeman in that same game that had a long run that was negated by only having one flag on. Whose responsibility is it to make sure the young man has two flags on?"

When O'Malley tried to claim that some of the blame may lie with one of the other coaches, Freeman lightheartedly called him out.

"Oh, you're passing blame!" Freeman said as the room erupted in laughter once again. "Come on Tim, you've got to own it now. … Head coaches get the credit, sometimes when they deserve it and sometimes when they don't deserve it."

The exchange was all in good fun, and Freeman congratulated O'Malley for winning the other two championship games in different age groups that his teams played Sunday.

As for Freeman, his team is coming off a bye after blowing out archrival USC and will host Pitt in South Bend on Saturday.

FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience