Pat Fitzgerald Finds Vindication in Settlement, Pursues New Job Opportunities

Pat Fitzgerald, the former head coach of Northwestern University’s football team, has publicly expressed that he feels “100 percent vindicated” following a settlement related to his wrongful termination lawsuit against the university. This statement came during an appearance on ESPN’s “College GameDay” podcast, where he talked about his aspirations to return to coaching after serving as head coach for 17 seasons.

Background on the Settlement

Fitzgerald was fired in July 2023 amid serious allegations of hazing within the football program. In response to his termination, he filed a lawsuit seeking $130 million in damages. The lawsuit was settled in August, though the specific terms of the settlement remain confidential. Following the resolution, Northwestern acknowledged that “inappropriate conduct” occurred within the program but cleared Fitzgerald of direct involvement, stating no player reported hazing to him or that he condoned any such behavior.

Changes at Northwestern

Since the settlement was finalized, significant changes have taken place within the university’s administration. Notably, president Michael Schill, who played a role in Fitzgerald’s termination, resigned just weeks after the settlement was announced.

Fitzgerald’s Future in Coaching

Looking ahead, Fitzgerald has actively engaged in conversations and meetings with potential employers. He expressed gratitude for the positive reception of his candidacy. “There have been conversations with a lot of folks,” he said, highlighting the various forms of communication he has had, including face-to-face meetings and Zoom calls.

Fitzgerald emphasized his commitment to maintaining high standards in any future coaching role. He is focused on developing strong relationships within the athletic community, including alignment with administration and support staff. He also plans to implement strict measures to prevent any recurrence of the issues that led to his firing.

Coaching Philosophy and Experience

• Fitzgerald enjoyed a notable coaching tenure at Northwestern, achieving a record of 110 wins and 101 losses.
• He led the team to 11 bowl appearances and secured two Big Ten West division championships.
• Despite offers from high-profile programs, including a significant opportunity with Michigan in 2011, he chose to remain in his position.

Since his dismissal, Fitzgerald has taken time to study current coaching strategies and trends. He has attended NFL camps and visited numerous colleges, gaining insights into the evolving landscape of college football. “I feel like I’ve got a Ph.D. in preparation,” he commented, expressing readiness to return to the sport.

Personal Reflections and Gratitude

Fitzgerald fondly recalls his time with his family, during which he had the opportunity to coach at the high school level. He revealed that he has been coaching his sons at Loyola Academy as a volunteer. Reflecting on his experience at Northwestern, Fitzgerald stated, “I love Northwestern. Unfortunately, things went the way that they went.” He is determined to proceed positively and boldly in the next chapter of his coaching career.

As he seeks new job opportunities, Fitzgerald is focused on implementing effective systems and ensuring accountability in his future teams. He is eager to contribute to the collegiate sports environment once again and aims to lead a program towards success.