Marcus Freeman lost a top Notre Dame staffer Monday when Troy named Gerad Parker its new football head coach.
After Troy announced the hiring, Freeman released a statement about his former offensive coordinator on social media.
“Congratulations to Gerad as he takes on this great opportunity at Troy,” Freeman wrote. “I have had the chance to work closely with Gerad for a number of years and what stands out to me the most are his leadership skills and how tirelessly he works to get the most out of his players. We wish Gerad and his family all the best on their new adventure!”
— Marcus Freeman (@Marcus_Freeman1) December 18, 2023
Freeman must now find his third offensive coordinator in as many years.
Parker replaced Tommy Rees, who took the same job at Alabama last offseason. Notre Dame averaged 39.1 points per game under Parker this season while ranking 29th in total offense.
Notre Dame’s next offensive coordinator will coach quarterback Riley Leonard, who recently announced his transfer from Duke. However, star running back Audric Estime declared for the 2024 NFL Draft averaging 6.4 yards per carry with 18 rushing touchdowns in his junior year.
Parker coached alongside Freeman at Purdue, where he briefly served as interim head coach in 2016. The former Kentucky wide receiver made stops at Duke, Penn State, and West Virginia before joining Freeman’s Fighting Irish staff as a tight ends coach in 2022.
The 42-year-old inherits a program that won 23 games behind Jon Sumrall over the last two seasons. Sumrall accepted Tulane’s job last week.
Parker’s departure creates another short-term issue for Freeman, who also won’t have Estime and starting quarterback Sam Hartman for a Sun Bowl matchup against Oregon State on Dec. 29.