Could be a weighted buy out.
He’s only 35 so maybe his goal is 3 years at ND and get an upper tier job. If he goes to Cincy it may actually slow him down getting an upper tier job.
Maybe BK told him he has “x” number of years left and Freeman thinks he could be a legit candidate for the job when he leaves.
Doubtful, but maybe ND really opened up the check book and he’s making more than what he’d make as Cincy HC.
None the less, if ND admin is willing to open the check book up, you take your shot at Freeman.