Marcus Freeman (American football coach)

Marcus Freeman (born January 10, 1986) a former American football linebacker and coach, who is currently the Defensive coordinator for the University of Cincinnati football team. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ohio State.

Freeman has also been a member of the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans.

Early years
Freeman was rated as one of the top three overall prospects in Ohio as a senior and named to the Parade All-America team. He was credited with 127 tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries as a senior. He totaled 152 tackles, including 29 behind the line of scrimmage, and eight sacks as a junior Freeman was a four-year starter and a two-time first-team All-Ohio selection. He also ran track, competing in the 4×100-meter relay and throwing the shot and discus.

College career
Attended The Ohio State University (2004–08), appearing in 51 games (37 starts) over the course of his career. He started 26 games at weak-side linebacker and 11 games at strong-side linebacker and was a two-time Second-team All-Big Ten selection. He finished his career 19th on the school’s all-time tackle list with 268 stops (140 solo) and was credited with 21.5 TFLs, 6.0 sacks, 15 PBUs, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery.

In 2008, he started all 13 games linebacker position He was a Second-team All-Big Ten selection, finishing with 84 tackles (39 solo) and added 9.5 TFLs, 4 PBUs, 1 fumble recovery and 3.5 sacks. Also named Academic All-Big Ten. In 2007, he was a second-year starting linebacker and a part of three special units and was Second-team All-Big Ten after he totaled 109 tackles 9.5 TFL, 5 PBU. In 2006, he made 71 stops, played 13 games and started 11 at linebacker and was second on the team with six pass break-ups and two interceptions. In 2005, he redshirted. In 2004, he finished his rookie season with four tackles, recording one solo stop and three assists, in 13 games.

Chicago Bears
Freeman was drafted in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. He was waived on September 4, 2009.

Buffalo Bills
Freeman was signed to the Buffalo Bills practice squad on September 22. He later was released in early October.

Houston Texans
Freeman signed with the Houston Texans on November 4.

Retirement
On May 1, 2010, Freeman retired due to an enlarged heart condition. He was the linebackers and assistant coach for Kent State University in 2011.

He was hired as the Purdue University linebackers coach in January 2013. On January 1, 2016, Freeman was promoted to Co-defensive coordinator.

On December 13, 2016, Freeman joined the Cincinnati Bearcats football staff.