Northwestern University and former football coach Pat Fitzgerald have reached a settlement in Fitzgerald’s wrongful termination lawsuit, with terms not disclosed. Fitzgerald had filed the suit in October 2023 after his July firing amid investigations into hazing within the football program.
Fitzgerald, who spent 17 seasons as Northwestern’s head coach, was one of the longest-tenured coaches in college football at the time of his dismissal. He compiled a 110-101 record, including a 5-5 mark in bowl games, and led the Wildcats to two appearances in the Big Ten Championship Game. A Northwestern alum who played linebacker for the team from 1993-96, Fitzgerald was a two-time unanimous All-American and winner of the Chuck Bednarik Award during his playing days.
Following Fitzgerald’s departure, Northwestern promoted defensive coordinator David Braun to head coach. Braun, who was the 2023 Big Ten Coach of the Year, has posted a 12-13 record over two seasons with the Wildcats.
The hazing allegations that contributed to Fitzgerald’s firing also spurred lawsuits from several former players, with two former players describing hazing activities in an interview with The Daily Northwestern. Fitzgerald has not returned to coaching since his dismissal, and the university continues to navigate the program’s culture and reforms.
Commentary and context:
– The settlement allows both sides to move forward without detailing the terms, while underscoring Northwestern’s ongoing focus on player welfare and program culture.
– The program’s leadership change to David Braun signals an emphasis on stability and a refreshed approach to coaching and accountability.
Summary:
– A settlement ends Pat Fitzgerald’s wrongful termination case against Northwestern, closing a chapter on a period of controversy tied to hazing allegations and several lawsuits, while the Wildcats press ahead with their current coaching leadership and culture reforms.