Northwestern University and former football coach Pat Fitzgerald have reached a settlement in Fitzgerald’s wrongful termination lawsuit against the school, according to reports. Fitzgerald filed the lawsuit in October 2023 after he was dismissed by the university in July of that year following reports of alleged hazing incidents within the football program during his tenure.
Initially, the university had suspended Fitzgerald for two weeks without pay. However, after two former players provided details of the alleged hazing activities to The Daily Northwestern, Northwestern University revisited its decision and ultimately terminated his employment. Following this, several former players filed lawsuits against both Fitzgerald and the university.
Fitzgerald served as head coach of Northwestern’s football program for 17 years. He previously worked as an assistant coach from 2001 to 2005 and played linebacker at Northwestern from 1993 to 1996. During his playing career, he was named a two-time unanimous All-American and received the Chuck Bednarik Award.
As head coach, Fitzgerald recorded a 110-101 record, with a 5-5 record in bowl games and led the team to two Big Ten Championship Game appearances. Since his firing, Fitzgerald has not returned to coaching.
Following Fitzgerald’s departure, defensive coordinator David Braun was promoted. Braun was later named Big Ten Coach of the Year for 2023 and has compiled a 12-13 record over two seasons with the Wildcats.
