Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman’s family guide: Wife Joanna and 6 children

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman also has quite an impressive team off the field.

Freeman, 38, who became the head football coach at Notre Dame in December 2021, married his wife, Joanna Freemanin 2010. The couple met during their time at Ohio State University, where Marcus was a star linebacker.

Joanna, a former news reporter at WBNS-Channel 10 in Columbus, is now a full-time mother to the couple’s six children: son Vinny17, daughter Siena12, Sun Gino11, Sun Nico9, daughter Capri7 and Sun Rocco6.

Marcus also has a daughter named Bria18, from a previous relationship.

At Marcus’ inaugural press conference in South Bend in 2021, Joanna and all six children were front and center for the festivities. Since then, Marcus has routinely shared family highlights and milestones for the Irish faithful on social media.

Read more about the Freeman family.

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 many brides and make-ups. We fell hard. We fell fast. We were really young when we met and in many ways we really grew and matured into adults together.”

On Mother’s Day 2024, Marcus paid tribute to Joanna – and his own mother, Chong – and thanked them for everything they’ve done for him.

“I am 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, 17, is busy following in his father’s athletic footsteps.

A junior at Penn High School in Mishawaka, Indiana, plays safety for the school’s football team.

Vinny is also a skilled wrestler who makes an official visit to Cornell University in August 2024.

“They say to be the best, you have to beat the best,” Vinny shared South Bend Tribune in February 2024. “I want to be the best.”

As a sophomore, Vinny finished with a 34-4 record.

Marcus Freeman’s daughter, Siena

Siena, 12, 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 family!” Marcus shared via Instagram in January. In the accompanying photo, Siena could be seen posing with members of the soccer team while holding her sister, Capri.

Marcus Freeman’s son, Gino

Marcus also passed on his love of football to his son, Gino, 11.

“It’s officially football season for Freeman’s,” Marcus wrote 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.

“Red’s game with G,” Marcus wrote via Instagram.

Marcus Freeman’s son, Nico

Nico, 9, 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 Instagramthat shows a picture of the whole crew.

Marcus Freeman’s daughter, Capri

Capri, 4, 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 and beaming.

Of course, all the kids were decked out in University of Cincinnati gear.

Marcus Freeman’s son, Rocco

Shortly after being born, Rocco, 6, celebrated the holiday with his parents and five siblings.

“Merry Christmas from the Freeman Crew!” Marcus has written via Instagram in December 2018.

The black-and-white photo showed the whole family standing in front of a fireplace lined with stockings.