Pat Fitzgerald Speaks Out After Settlement, Eyes Return to College Football

For the first time since his firing from Northwestern University in July 2023, Pat Fitzgerald has spoken publicly about the hazing scandal that ended his long tenure with the Wildcats. In an interview on ESPN’s College GameDay podcast, Fitzgerald said he feels “completely vindicated” after reaching a settlement in his wrongful termination lawsuit against the school earlier this year.

“I feel 100 percent vindicated,” Fitzgerald said. “I’ll let the statement speak for itself. But I feel very vindicated — especially for our players and their families. The facts are the facts.” His remarks marked a definitive moment in a controversy that rocked Northwestern’s athletic program and sent ripple effects through college football.

The hazing allegations, which surfaced after an internal investigation, led to Fitzgerald’s dismissal after 17 seasons at the helm. The university’s decision came despite the investigation not finding direct evidence that Fitzgerald had knowledge of or participated in the misconduct. The coach maintained his innocence throughout the process and eventually reached a settlement with Northwestern in August 2024.

Now, Fitzgerald appears ready to move forward — both personally and professionally. He has spent the past year rebuilding his reputation and preparing for a possible return to coaching at the collegiate level.

1. A Distinguished but Disrupted Career

Before his dismissal, Fitzgerald was synonymous with Northwestern football. A former Wildcats linebacker himself, he became the face of the program for nearly two decades. From 2006 to 2022, he compiled a record of 110–101, guiding the team to 10 bowl appearances and two Big Ten Championship Game berths — remarkable achievements for a program historically overshadowed by its conference rivals. Under Fitzgerald’s leadership, Northwestern developed a reputation for discipline, academic excellence, and player development. His tenure included major wins over ranked opponents and a pair of division titles in 2018 and 2020. Many of his former players went on to successful careers both in the NFL and in other professional fields. Despite those accomplishments, the final chapter of his Northwestern career was marred by scandal and uncertainty. When the university terminated him in 2023, Fitzgerald filed a wrongful termination lawsuit, arguing the school violated his contract and dismissed him without proper cause. The legal dispute lingered for months before being settled quietly in August 2024, allowing both sides to move on. For Fitzgerald, that resolution marked a turning point. With his name legally cleared, he has shifted his focus toward re-entering the coaching ranks — something he calls both a professional goal and a personal mission.

2. Looking Toward the Future

Fitzgerald has spent recent months networking with athletic directors and programs across the country as part of his return to coaching. During the interview, he described the process as encouraging and said several schools have expressed genuine interest in his candidacy. “I feel very fortunate,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s been great working through this process. There have been conversations with a lot of folks — face-to-face, on Zoom, on phone calls. [My candidacy has] been received very well.” While he didn’t specify which programs he’s spoken with, multiple FBS schools currently have head coaching vacancies, including major programs such as Penn State and LSU. Fitzgerald’s résumé makes him a compelling candidate. Beyond his head coaching experience, he has deep roots in player development and program building — qualities that appeal to schools seeking stability amid the transfer portal era and evolving NIL landscape. His familiarity with Big Ten football and proven track record of overachievement could make him an attractive hire for a program looking to rebuild. Still, Fitzgerald acknowledged the emotional toll of the past two years. “It’s not been an easy road,” he said. “We let the facts speak for themselves, and we’re ready to move forward and move on.” His remarks suggest a coach eager to close a difficult chapter and return to doing what he loves most — leading young athletes on and off the field.

3. From Player to Program Builder

Fitzgerald’s deep connection to Northwestern spans decades. As a player from 1993 to 1996, he helped lead the Wildcats to the 1995 Rose Bowl and earned two Bronko Nagurski Awards as the nation’s top defensive player. After brief stints as an assistant coach at Maryland, Colorado, and Idaho, he returned to his alma mater in 2001, eventually rising to head coach after the sudden passing of Randy Walker in 2006. His story — from hometown hero to program architect — became part of Northwestern’s identity. Even after his firing, many within the football community credited Fitzgerald for transforming the program into a consistent competitor. That legacy, combined with his defensive expertise and leadership skills, keeps his name circulating in coaching circles. As college football enters another wave of coaching changes, Fitzgerald’s reemergence could be one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason. His experience, reputation among peers, and desire for redemption make him a unique candidate in a competitive hiring landscape. Whether he lands at a Power Five school or opts for a rebuilding program, his next chapter could define the rest of his coaching career.