Marcus Freeman’s Family Guide: Meet Notre Dame Coach, His Wife Joanna, and Their Six Kids
Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman has an equally impressive team off the field as well.
At 38, Freeman, who took the reins at Notre Dame in December 2021, wed Joanna Freeman in 2010. They crossed paths while Marcus was a standout linebacker at The Ohio State University, where Joanna was studying at a nearby college.
Joanna, once a news reporter at WBNS-Channel 10 in Columbus, now dedicates her time as a stay-at-home mom to their six children: son Vinny, 17, daughter Siena, 12, son Gino, 11, son Nico, 9, daughter Capri, 7, and son Rocco, 6.
Additionally, Marcus has a daughter, Bria, 18, from a previous relationship.
Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady have a vast fanbase, but it’s their children who form their most dedicated cheering squad. Patrick and his wife Brittany Mahomes had yet to expand their family when he clinched his first Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs in February 2020. However, when Patrick achieved his next big milestone…
During Marcus’ introductory press conference in South Bend in 2021, Joanna and all six children were prominently featured. Since then, Marcus frequently shares family moments with Irish supporters on social media.
For more insights into the Freeman family, keep reading.
Marcus Freeman’s wife, Joanna
Joanna has supported Marcus throughout the highs and lows of his football journey, acknowledging the challenges they’ve faced.
“We don’t have a typical romantic story,” Joanna told Yahoo Sports in 2021. “Our relationship has seen its share of breakups and reconciliations. We fell quickly and deeply; we were young, and we grew up together.”
On Mother’s Day in 2024, Marcus honored Joanna—and his own mother, Chong—expressing gratitude for their unwavering support.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have these two remarkable women in my life,” Marcus shared via Instagram. “Their selflessness and unconditional love have greatly shaped our family.”
Marcus Freeman’s son, Vinny
Vinny, 17, is following closely in his father’s athletic footsteps.
Currently a senior at Penn High School in Mishawaka, Indiana, he plays safety for the school’s football team.
Vinny is also a talented wrestler, having visited Cornell University in August 2024 and officially announcing his commitment to the Ivy League school in April 2025.
Patrick Mahomes consistently has his family’s support. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback is the son of Pat Mahomes and Randi Mahomes. They welcomed their son Jackson in May 2005, before divorcing in 2006.
“To be the best, one must beat the best,” Vinny remarked to the South Bend Tribune in February 2024. “My goal is to be the best.”
Marcus Freeman’s daughter, Siena
At 12, Siena became a cherished member of the Cincinnati Bearcats football community during Marcus’ tenure as the school’s defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020.
“Having a Wild Card Sunday with the family!,” Marcus posted via Instagram in January, accompanying a photo where Siena is posing with football team members while holding her sister, Capri.
Marcus Freeman’s son, Gino
Marcus has imparted his passion for football to his son Gino, 11.
“It’s officially football season for the Freemans,” he declared via Instagram in July 2018, showcasing a photo of Gino and Vinny in football helmets with their dad.
Gino enjoyed a special outing with his father at a Cincinnati Reds baseball game in May 2019.
“Reds game with G,” Marcus shared via Instagram.
Marcus Freeman’s son, Nico
Nico, 9, celebrated his 4th birthday with pizza, his siblings, and friends, including then-Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell in July 2019.
“Happy 4th birthday to our Nico!” Marcus delightedly shared via Instagram, displaying a picture of the festive gathering.
Marcus Freeman’s daughter, Capri
Capri, now 4, joined her cheerful siblings in June 2017. “Welcome to our world and family, Capri!!” Marcus celebrated via Instagram alongside a photo of Capri being cradled by her brother Vinny and sister Siena, while Gino and Nico beamed nearby.
All the kids proudly wore University of Cincinnati attire.
Marcus Freeman’s son, Rocco
Rocco, now 6, celebrated his first holiday season surrounded by family shortly after his birth.
“Merry Christmas from the Freeman Crew!” Marcus joyfully posted via Instagram in December 2018.
A black-and-white photo featured the entire family standing by a fireplace adorned with stockings.
