The shadow of controversy still hangs over Northwestern University as former coach Pat Fitzgerald makes his first public appearance since his dramatic firing in 2023. It's a story that encapsulates the highs and lows of college sports, filled with triumphs, allegations, and legal battles.
Fitzgerald, a celebrated figure who once led Northwestern to the Rose Bowl as a player in 1995, returned to campus to celebrate the team's 30th anniversary during a recent game against Purdue. This marked his first public presence at the university since his dismissal after 17 seasons as the Wildcats' coach.
His firing stemmed from an investigation into hazing allegations made by former players. Initially, Fitzgerald, who was also an All-America linebacker, was suspended by the university president. But here's where it gets controversial... Additional reports, particularly from the student newspaper, brought forth further allegations, leading the university to ultimately terminate Fitzgerald's contract.
Following his dismissal, Fitzgerald launched a lawsuit against Northwestern, claiming wrongful termination and seeking a staggering $130 million in damages. He argued that the initial suspension had been agreed upon. The lawsuit was eventually settled earlier this year, with the terms remaining undisclosed.
Adding to the complexity, the university settled 34 outstanding lawsuits with athletes related to the hazing allegations in May.
In a statement released on August 21, Northwestern acknowledged that the evidence gathered during the discovery phase of the lawsuits did not definitively prove that any player had reported hazing to Coach Fitzgerald, nor that he condoned or directed any such activities.
During his tenure, Fitzgerald, now 50 years old, achieved a record of 110-101. His accomplishments included five AP Top 25 finishes, three seasons with 10 wins, and a top-10 finish in the COVID-19-impacted 2020 season. However, his final season in 2022 ended with a disappointing 1-11 record.
This story raises important questions: Should universities be held accountable for the actions of their coaches? How can institutions prevent hazing and ensure the safety of their athletes? Do you believe Fitzgerald should have been fired? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This article was written on October 18, 2025.
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Ralph Russo is a Senior Writer for The Athletic, covering college football. Before joining The Athletic, he spent 20 years as the lead national college football writer for The Associated Press. He also previously worked as the AP's Mississippi-based sports writer and did a stint with The Denver Post. Ralph is a native New Yorker and a graduate of Fordham University.
