SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua is aware of potential NFL interest in coach Marcus Freeman but will push to retain Freeman and make him one of college football's highest-paid coaches.

Freeman is 43-12 as Notre Dame's coach, and he led the team to the national title game last season. Notre Dame completed its season at 10-2 and opted out of a bowl invitation after being snubbed for the College Football Playoff. Although Freeman, 39, has never coached in the NFL, industry sources expect him to be on the radar for the New York Giants and other potential openings.

"Everybody has eyes on Marcus," Bevacqua said. "College has eyes on Marcus; NFL has eyes on Marcus. I bet Hollywood has eyes on Marcus. ... He's the absolute best coach in the country for Notre Dam

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