Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has quite the impressive squad off the field, too.
Freeman, who became the head football coach at Notre Dame in December 2021, married his wife, Joanna Freeman, in 2010. The couple met during Marcus’ time at The Ohio State University, where Marcus was a star linebacker. At the time, Joanna was attending another college nearby.
Joanna, a former news reporter at WBNS-Channel 10 in Columbus, is now a full-time mother to the couple’s six children: son Vinny, daughter Siena, son Gino, son Nico, daughter Capri, and son Rocco.
Marcus also has a daughter named Bria from a previous relationship.
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At Marcus’ introductory press conference in South Bend in 2021, Joanna and all six kids were front and center for the festivities. Since then, Marcus has routinely shared family highlights and milestones for Irish faithful on social media.
For more on the Freeman family, keep reading.
Marcus Freeman’s wife, Joanna
Joanna has been by Marcus’ side through the ups and downs of his playing and coaching career — but she admitted it hasn’t been easy.
“We don’t have a super romantic love story,” Joanna told Yahoo Sports in 2021. “We had a lot of breakups and make-ups. We fell hard. We fell fast. We were really young when we met, and in a lot of ways, we really grew and matured into adults together.”
On Mother’s Day in 2024, Marcus paid tribute to Joanna — and his own mother, Chong — and thanked them for all they’ve done for him.
“I’m so blessed to have these two amazing women in my life,” Marcus shared via Instagram. “They have impacted our family in so many ways with their selflessness and unconditional love.
Marcus Freeman’s son, Vinny
Vinny is busy following in his father’s athletic footsteps.
A senior at Penn High School in Mishawaka, Indiana, plays safety for the school’s football team.
Vinny is also an accomplished wrestler, making an official visit to Cornell University in August 2024 before announcing his official commitment to the Ivy League school in April 2025.
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“They say in order to be the best, you have to beat the best,” Vinny told the South Bend Tribune in February 2024. “I want to be the best.”
In January 2026, Marcus was accused of getting into a physical altercation with a wrestling coach from another school at one of Vinny’s meets. After a brief investigation, the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office announced that no charges would be filed against Marcus.
“Based on a review of all of the evidence, the State would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime occurred,” a statement read. “While the evidence suggests that a touching may have occurred, an inadvertent touching is not sufficient. The State is therefore declining to file any criminal charges.”
Marcus Freeman’s daughter, Siena
Siena became a beloved part of the Cincinnati Bearcats football family when Marcus was the school’s defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020.
“Wild Card Sunday with the Fam!,” Marcus shared via Instagram in January. In the accompanying photo, Siena could be seen posing with members of the football team while holding her sister, Capri.
Marcus Freeman’s son, Gino
Marcus also passed down his love of football to his son, Gino.
“It’s officially football season for the Freeman’s,” Marcus posted via Instagram in July 2018, showing Gino and brother Vinny wearing football helmets and posing with their father.
Gino had some solo time with his Dad in May 2019, when they attended a Cincinnati Reds baseball game together.
“Reds game with G,” Marcus wrote via Instagram.
Marcus Freeman’s son, Nico
Nico celebrated his 4th birthday with some pizza, his siblings and a group of friends — including then Cincinnati head coach, Luke Fickell — in July 2019.
“Happy 4th birthday to our Nico!” Marcus shared via Instagram, showing off a picture of the whole crew.
Marcus Freeman’s daughter, Capri
Capri met her smiley siblings in June 2017. “Welcome to this world and our family Capri!!” Marcus wrote via Instagram along with a photo of Capri being held by her brother Vinny and her sister, Siena, with her other brothers, Gino and Nico, sitting on the couch beaming.
All the kids were, of course, decked out in University of Cincinnati gear.
Marcus Freeman’s son, Rocco
Shortly after being born, Rocco celebrated the holidays with his parents and five siblings.
“Merry Christmas from the Freeman Crew!” Marcus posted via Instagram in December 2018.
The black-and-white photo showed the entire family standing in front of a fireplace lined with stockings.
