Northwestern University terminated the employment of their longstanding coach, Pat Fitzgerald, on Monday following accusations of extensive hazing occurring within the football program. Northwestern University has decided to dismiss Pat Fitzgerald
In an open letter to the university community, President Michael Schill stated, “The head coach bears ultimate responsibility for the team’s environment. Our investigation revealed pervasive hazing practices that were widely known within the program, leaving Coach Fitzgerald aware of the situation. Regardless, the culture within Northwestern Football, although commendable in certain aspects, exhibited significant flaws.”
Sources have informed ESPN that Northwestern University is expected to appoint David Braun, the defensive coordinator, as the acting coach for the Wildcats following the dismissal of Pat Fitzgerald.
The decision to fire Fitzgerald, who is 48 years old, comes after the university initially announced on Friday that he would face a two-week suspension without pay in the upcoming summer. This suspension was a result of a university-commissioned investigation into allegations made by a former Northwestern football player. The investigation, carried out by an external law firm and initiated in January, concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the coaching staff had knowledge of ongoing hazing, although there were significant opportunities for them to have become aware of it.
In his letter on Monday, President Schill acknowledged that the decision to terminate Fitzgerald’s employment followed a challenging and intricate evaluation of the initial disciplinary action imposed last week. This action was in response to Fitzgerald’s failure to be aware of and prevent significant hazing within the football program. President Schill mentioned that he dedicated considerable time to contemplation and engaged in discussions with various stakeholders who have a deep affection for the university. These discussions included the Chair and members of the Board of Trustees, faculty leadership, students, alumni, and Coach Fitzgerald himself. President Schill also received numerous communications expressing opinions and thoughts on the matter.
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Pat Fitzgerald, in a statement provided to ESPN, expressed surprise upon learning that the university president unilaterally rescinded their agreement and subsequently terminated his employment, referring to the previously agreed-upon two-week suspension.
Fitzgerald stated that he has entrusted his agent, Bryan Harlan, and experienced trial attorney Dan Webb to take the necessary legal steps to protect his rights according to the law.
According to a Northwestern team official, Fitzgerald briefly addressed the football team in a meeting on Monday night. His wife and three sons, including his oldest son, Jack, who is a current Northwestern player, were present at the meeting. Athletic director Derrick Gragg, who was overseas at the time, addressed the team via Zoom, while coordinators David Braun and Mike Bajakian spoke to the team in person. Sources described the meeting as somber and emotional.
In President Schill’s letter on Monday, he mentioned that the report from ArentFox Schiff, the law firm that conducted the investigation, will remain confidential. However, he stated that during the investigation, 11 current or former players admitted to the existence of hazing within the football program. Schill described the hazing as involving forced participation, nudity, and sexually demeaning acts, which are clear violations of Northwestern’s policies and values.
The former player whose allegations prompted the investigation expressed that their primary concern has always been the physical and mental safety of student-athletes. They acknowledged that there is still progress to be made in athletics nationwide and appreciated the review of the presented facts.
Pat Fitzgerald, the recently terminated coach, enjoyed significant success during his 17 seasons at Northwestern, achieving a record of 110-101. He holds the distinction of being the most successful football coach in the university’s history. In recognition of his accomplishments, Fitzgerald was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
Pat Fitzgerald’s association with the Northwestern football program spans over 26 seasons, encompassing four seasons as a player, five as an assistant coach, and 17 as the head coach. During his tenure, Fitzgerald guided the team to five out of its six bowl victories, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
Northwestern has achieved five 10-win seasons in its program history, and Fitzgerald has been involved in four of them: three as a coach and one as a player.
The former player who came forward with the hazing allegations stated that he himself was subjected to hazing as a freshman. He further claimed that Pat Fitzgerald, the head coach, would use a specific clapping motion during practice to signal for players to be added to the “Shrek’s list,” a reference to the group responsible for organizing the hazing activities. According to the former player, he witnessed Fitzgerald making this clapping motion at least five times since the 2020 season.
During the university-commissioned probe, which lasted six months and involved more than 50 individuals associated with the program, the former player provided his testimony to investigators. He disclosed that he had spoken with President Schill on Sunday, discussing the hazing incidents he had witnessed and experienced at Northwestern.
In an executive summary of the investigation released on Friday, Northwestern University acknowledged that the hazing claims were largely substantiated and that there had been ample opportunities to discover and report the occurrences. However, the investigators were unable to gather sufficient evidence to establish that the coaches were aware of the hazing activities. This sentiment was reiterated by President Schill in his letter on Monday.
In his open letter, President Schill acknowledged that the hazing incidents were widely known within the program, even though the investigator did not uncover credible evidence to suggest that Coach Fitzgerald himself was aware of it. President Schill further explained that the entire six-month independent investigation was conducted confidentially, and he had only recently become aware of many of the details, including the identity of the complainant. He mentioned that he had spoken with the student’s parents on Friday and had a conversation with the student on Sunday, indicating his engagement with those involved in the case.
In his statement on Monday, Pat Fitzgerald maintained his position that he had no knowledge of any form of hazing within the Northwestern Football Program, and the investigation reaffirmed his stance. Fitzgerald had been in the midst of a 10-year, $57 million contract, with two years already completed. The potential financial implications of his termination have not been disclosed as of yet.
Had Fitzgerald continued to coach this season, he would have become the fifth-longest-tenured active coach in FBS football, highlighting his significant presence and longevity within the program.
David Braun, who recently joined Northwestern in January from North Dakota State, where he received recognition as the FCS coordinator of the year in 2021, will assume the role of liaison and program manager for the time being. Braun’s appointment comes at a challenging time for the program, as Northwestern is coming off a 1-11 record, its worst since going winless in 1989.
