Jerome Bettis talks Notre Dame’s CFP snub, Marcus Freeman and Brian Kelly’s futures, Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers-Mike McCarthy reunion, and more
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Jerome Bettis talks Notre Dame’s CFP snub, Marcus Freeman and Brian Kelly’s futures, Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers-Mike McCarthy reunion, and more originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Notre Dame Fighting Irish legend Jerome Bettis, whose son, Jerome Bettis Jr., is currently on the team, discussed several topics regarding his alma mater, plus his long-time NFL home, the Pittsburgh Steelers, with me weeks ahead of his participation in the 2026 American Century Championship.
“The Bus” will be one of over 90 celebrities hitting the links for NBC’s annual golf tournament in Stateline, Nevada, at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort. The 2026 American Century Championship will take place July 8-12.
In anticipation of the event, Bettis offered me his prediction for the winner, and also discussed Notre Dame’s infamous snub from the 12-team College Football Playoff this past December, Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman’s future in South Bend amid recent NFL rumors, former Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly’s future in College Football after his firing from the LSU Tigers in October, and the Steelers’ hiring of Mike McCarthy and free agent re-signing of Aaron Rodgers.
On Notre Dame being snubbed for the CFP…
“Yeah, I thought it was disappointing. I think the voters knew…there was some movement that they were trying to create to make sure Alabama got in because it wasn't going to be a good outing in the SEC championship (against Georgia). They were trying to support the SEC in that. They wanted both teams to get in…because the year before, Alabama got snubbed, so they didn't want it to happen a second year. They wanted to protect the SEC and move Alabama up before the SEC championship game…
“It happened, and you understand it. That's the business side of the game. It’s unfortunate that Notre Dame was on the receiving end of that business decision. It’s not that (Alabama) didn't deserve to make it; it’s just that they moved up in the rankings when nobody played. I felt that a team that really got hosed as well, that nobody's talking about, was BYU. They lost to the No. 5-ranked team in the country (Texas Tech) twice…
“Notre Dame got a rough draw, if you will. They didn't control their destiny. They lost to Miami the first game of the year and, unfortunately, it came back to hurt them.”
On if Marcus Freeman would consider leaving Notre Dame for the NFL or Ohio State…
“I think there's always a chance. I mean, obviously, you're not going to expect one person to stay in one place forever. You would hope that they would, but the reality is, yeah, the possibility exists. But he's happy where he is, and let's hope that continues…but the NFL, I think, it's a real possibility as he gets more seasoned. I think NFL teams are going to look at him more. I hope that's not the case…
“But the reality of it is, he's a dynamic young coach that players love to follow, and I think that's the recipe for success on any level, college or the NFL. So I think he's going to be a commodity that everybody wants to look at.”
“I don't think he goes for just any other job. I think it has to be, maybe (Ohio State), that’s calling him to come home. I think of those, the NFL is the most realistic possibility. I do think there's still some time there (in South Bend). He wants to win a championship at Notre Dame, and I think if he can do that, then he goes into the Pantheon of great coaches. That's an incredible legacy to be a part of."
On if Brian Kelly has a future in coaching…
“I think he definitely has a future in coaching. He's been a great coach his entire career. I mean, yeah, he didn't win a championship for LSU, but they were competitive every year. He produced a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback with Jayden Daniels. He's done some really good things, and he's the winningest coach in Notre Dame’s history…
“He won championships in Division II (at Grand Valley State). He took Cincinnati to prominence. His track record is impeccable. So 100% he'll be coaching in the future.”
On whether Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers will win big with the Steelers in 2026…
“I hope so. I give a thumbs-up to the organization for bringing in better talent. I think that was an issue the last couple of years. The cupboards were pretty bare in terms of talent. They went out in free agency, and they got some players who can help. And I think that was the key…
“You’re asking Aaron Rodgers to do all these things, but he doesn't have much to do it with. You want him to paint a Picasso, but you're not giving him a brush. I think they've done a better job of that. I don't think they're done. They shouldn’t be…
“They should definitely be trying to upgrade and give Aaron the best chance of winning the championship in his last year. Let's hope that continues to be the case.”
On his pick to win the 2026 American Century Championship…
“I’m rooting for John Smoltz. He's been second a couple of times and then third. He’s come very, very close, but he hasn’t had the sweet taste of victory. So I’m rooting for Smoltzy to bring it home…
“I'm also looking at Steph Curry. I think he's had a long layoff since the end of the NBA season, which I think is going to bode well for his golf game. I would expect him to come in pretty sharp. I think he’ll have a say in who wins the championship as well.”
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