Pat Fitzgerald on the coaching carousel at the right time after Northwestern settlement

Jeff Hauser

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Pat Fitzgerald on the coaching carousel at the right time after Northwestern settlement image

Former Northwestern football coach Pat Fitzgerald is back on the coaching radar.  And the timing could not be better.

Following the August settlement of his $130 million wrongful termination lawsuit against Northwestern, Fitzgerald told ESPN’s College GameDay podcast he feels “100 percent vindicated” and is ready to return to college football. 

The longtime Wildcats coach was fired in July 2023 amid hazing allegations within the program but maintained he was unaware of any misconduct. Northwestern’s post-settlement statement backed that, saying no evidence showed Fitzgerald condoned or directed hazing.

“I feel fully vindicated,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s been great working through this process. There’s been conversations with a lot of folks. [My candidacy has] been received very well.”

Fitzgerald, 50, spent 17 seasons leading Northwestern, compiling a 110-101 record, 11 bowl appearances and two Big Ten West titles. He turned down Michigan and multiple NFL opportunities during his tenure. Since his firing, he’s visited NFL and college programs, studying schemes and culture shifts to stay fresh.

Now, with a record number of coaching vacancies expected this winter, Fitzgerald’s reputation is rebounding at the perfect time. He said he’s focused on finding “alignment” at his next stop. But with NIL payments and player brand development becoming more a part of game, will Fitzgerald make a splash in the new era? 

“I’m well rested,” Fitzgerald said. “Ready to put the whistle around my neck and go win some championships.”

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Senior Editor