‘He’s always been the same guy’: Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman’s stoic style traces back to Ohio State roots [Video]

ATLANTA — Somewhere on the field Monday evening inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Ohio State linebackers coach James Laurinaitis will roam the field, searching for a fellow Buckeye legend. He’ll shake his best friend’s hand, embrace him with a hug and remind him how proud he is of his friend’s accomplishments.

Their exchange will be briefer than usual, but that’s the nature of the business when coaching opposite teams with a national championship trophy on the line — even if he was in your wedding party. Making matters more complicated? That former Buckeye and best bud is Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman. He’ll lead the Irish (14-1) against the Buckeyes (13-2) in the College Football Playoff national championship Monday night.

“To be honest, you just want to get to the end of the game and move on,” Laurinaitis said. “There are real emotions you can’t avoid with it all …