Marcus Freeman Wife: Meet Joanna Freeman, the Heart of Notre Dame's Head Coach

Updated: November 09, 2025

If you’ve been following Notre Dame football, you know Marcus Freeman as the dynamic head coach leading the Fighting Irish to glory. But behind every great coach is an even greater partner. Marcus Freeman’s wife, Joanna Freeman, is the unsung hero who’s been by his side through college sweetheart days, NFL dreams, coaching ups and downs, and raising a bustling family of six kids. In this post, we’ll dive into who Joanna is, their love story, and why she’s the real MVP. Whether you’re searching for “Marcus Freeman wife” or curious about the woman supporting one of college football’s rising stars, you’ve come to the right place!

Who Is Joanna Freeman? Background and Early Life

Joanna Freeman, née Herncane, is more than just “Marcus Freeman wife”—she’s a strong, loyal, and fiercely dedicated woman with her own impressive story. Born on August 24, 1984, in Ohio, Joanna grew up in a close-knit Italian-American family in Massillon, where Sundays meant cheering for the Cleveland Browns and cherishing family ties. She’s of White ethnicity with Irish and Italian roots, and her faith has always been a big part of her life—she’s a devout Catholic who played a key role in Marcus converting to Catholicism.

Before becoming a full-time mom and coach by her husband’s side, Joanna was a talented news reporter at WBNS-Channel 10 in Columbus. She graduated with a journalism degree and built a career in broadcasting. But when Marcus’s coaching journey took off, Joanna made the tough choice to step back from her job to keep the family together. As she once said, “If you’re going to do this, we’re going to do this together.” Talk about sacrifice! Today, at 41, she lives in Granger, Indiana, and is the rock of the Freeman household.

How Marcus and Joanna Freeman Met and Fell in Love

The Marcus Freeman wife love story started back in college at Ohio State University, where Marcus was a star linebacker for the Buckeyes. They lived in the same housing complex in Columbus and were introduced by Marcus’s best friend. It wasn’t exactly a fairy tale at first—Joanna admits they “had a lot of breakups and make-ups” and fell hard and fast as young adults.

They grew up together, navigating Marcus’s NFL attempts (he was drafted by the Bears but retired early due to a heart condition) and his shift to coaching. Through long-distance stints and early career struggles—when Joanna was the main breadwinner juggling jobs while pregnant—they stuck it out. The couple tied the knot on February 20, 2010, in a beautiful ceremony. Marcus often calls her “the glue to the Freeman family” and “the most unselfish wife in the world.” Their interracial romance (Marcus is African-American with Korean heritage through his mom) is a beautiful example of love crossing boundaries.

The Freeman Family: Six Kids and Counting

Marcus and Joanna Freeman have built an incredible family with six children: Vinny (17), Siena (12), Gino (11), Nico (9), Capri (7), and Rocco (6). Marcus also has an older daughter, Bria (18), from a previous relationship. The Freemans are all about faith, football, and fun—often sharing holiday photos, game day moments, and milestones on Instagram.

The kids are front and center at Notre Dame events, like Marcus’s 2021 introductory press conference. Eldest son Vinny is following in Dad’s footsteps, playing high school football and wrestling. Gino loves the game too, and the whole crew celebrates wins on the field, like after the 2025 Sugar Bowl victory. Joanna handles most of the day-to-day as a “single parent” during busy seasons, but Marcus makes time to blend family into his coaching life.

Joanna’s Role in Marcus Freeman’s Success at Notre Dame

Joanna isn’t just supportive—she’s essential. Marcus credits her pure heart, loyalty, and fire (he calls her an “Italian pistol”) for keeping him grounded. From quitting her job to move for his Kent State gig (earning just $42,000) to managing six kids while he coaches, she’s the reason his meteoric rise happened. As Marcus said on a podcast, “To do what I do, you have to have the most unselfish wife in the world.”

Conclusion

Marcus Freeman’s wife, Joanna, proves that true partnership powers real success. From Ohio State sweethearts to Notre Dame power couple, their story is one of love, faith, sacrifice, and family. Joanna Freeman may not be on the sidelines calling plays, but she’s the heartbeat of it all. If you’re inspired by strong women behind great men, Joanna is your ultimate role model.

FAQs About Marcus Freeman Wife

1. Who is Marcus Freeman’s wife?
Joanna Freeman (née Herncane) is a former news reporter turned full-time mom, married to Notre Dame head coach Marcus since 2010.

2. How many kids do Marcus and Joanna Freeman have?
They have six children together: Vinny, Siena, Gino, Nico, Capri, and Rocco. Marcus also has a daughter Bria from a previous relationship.

3. Where did Marcus Freeman meet his wife?
They met at Ohio State University in Columbus, living in the same housing complex during his playing days.

4. What does Joanna Freeman do now?
Joanna is a stay-at-home mom, focusing on raising their six kids and supporting Marcus’s coaching career at Notre Dame.

Marcus Freeman Wife: Meet Joanna Freeman, the Heart of Notre Dame’s Head Coach

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