Marcus Freeman joins Josh Pate - Pate State Speaker Series
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Marcus Freeman joins Josh Pate - Pate State Speaker Series” inside PodZeus.
Marcus Freeman, head coach of Notre Dame, opens up about the profound disconnect between perception and reality in high-profile leadership roles. Despite being named head coach at one of college football's most storied programs, he admits to still feeling like the same 'guy who was a GA'—a sentiment that keeps him grounded and grateful. He reveals that imposter syndrome persists even years into the job, with moments of disbelief when looking in the rearview mirror or in the bathroom mirror. The episode unpacks his philosophy of 'choosing hard'—a daily commitment to struggle with what you have rather than chasing external validation. Freeman emphasizes that failure is not a setback but a necessary growth mechanism, and that owning your mistakes is essential to progress. He shares how he uses past losses not to dwell, but to fuel improvement, and how he prioritizes authentic relationships over public image. Even as the spotlight intensifies, he values the private, unfiltered moments with players and staff—the true heart of coaching. For Freeman, leadership is not about arriving, but about continuous growth, with no finish line in sight.
Imposter syndrome is real and persistent—even at Notre Dame, Marcus Freeman still feels like the same 'GA' he was years ago.
The key to growth is owning your failures: 'You can't use that negative experience if you blame somebody else.'
Choose hard every day: 'Am I going to choose hard or not?' is the daily decision that defines success.
Authentic relationships matter more than fame: 'It's not the notoriety, isn't the wins. It is none of that. It is the ability to have real relationships.'
You don't need all the answers—surround yourself with people who have more answers than you do.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Illusion of Arrival
“I'm still the same person that was a GA or played ball and was a linebackers coach. But I understand responsibilities are different.”
Imposter Syndrome in the Spotlight
“I can't believe they hired me to be the head coach here. I say that all the time. I laugh because as you look at yourself, you probably don't think that way of yourself.”
Failure as a Growth Pill
“I believe in failure, you learn the greatest lessons because they're inside lessons. And in order to learn from those inside lessons and improve and be better, you have to own it.”
The 'Choose Hard' Mindset
“We say choose hard, which is another phrase of struggle with what we have. And the understanding that there's times we can go and pull from the past.”
The Real Work: Authentic Relationships
Freeman emphasizes that the true value of coaching isn't fame or wins, but the lifelong, real relationships built in private moments.
“The minute I believe you have arrived in any area of your life, you’ll stop growing, and ultimately if you stop growing, you fail.”
“I'm still the same person that was a GA or played ball and was a linebackers coach. But I understand responsibilities are different.”
“I believe in failure, you learn the greatest lessons because they're inside lessons.”
Host
Guest
Marcus Freeman
person
Notre Dame
organization
Josh Pate
person
NFL
organization
Esquire
media
Brian Kelly
person
Spring Ball
other
Kevin Hart
person
Mike Elko joins Josh Pate - Pate Speaker Series
Josh Pate's College Football Show • 32m • 3/31/2026
Kalen DeBoer joins Josh Pate - Pate State Speaker Series
Josh Pate's College Football Show • 38m • 4/3/2026
CFP Odds Reaction + Bama Behind The Scenes & Ryan Day Draft Idea
Josh Pate's College Football Show • 59m • 4/10/2026
CFB & The Masters Lessons Learned + Spring Game Reactions
Josh Pate's College Football Show • 50m • 4/13/2026
James Franklin joins Josh Pate - Pate State Speaker Series
Josh Pate's College Football Show • 35m • 4/14/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Marcus Freeman joins Josh Pate - Pate State Speaker Series” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime