Introduction
Pat Fitzgerald is a name well-known in college football—especially at his alma mater, Northwestern University, where he starred as a linebacker and later served as head football coach for 17 seasons. His career, however, took an unexpected turn in 2023 when a hazing scandal in the program culminated in his dismissal, a consequential lawsuit, and ultimately a settlement. Beyond his professional life, Fitzgerald’s personal life—including his marriage to his wife Stacy and his role as a father—has also been subject to media interest. In this article we’ll delve into Fitzgerald’s personal background (wife, family), his coaching and legal saga (lawsuit, settlement), and his connection (and distinction) with Penn State University.
1. Who is Pat Fitzgerald? – Early Life & Coaching Background
Pat Fitzgerald was born on December 2, 1974, in Orland Park, Illinois. He played at Carl Sandburg High School and then joined Northwestern University, where he became one of the most decorated defensive players in college football: two-time Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner, two-time Chuck Bednarik Award winner, consensus All-American, and eventually inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
After a brief NFL attempt, he moved into coaching: assistant positions at Maryland, Colorado, Idaho, and then back at Northwestern. In July 2006, he was named head coach of Northwestern at the age of 31, making him the youngest head coach in the Big Ten at the time.
Over his 17 seasons as head coach (2006-2022), Fitzgerald compiled a 110-101 record, guided Northwestern to 11 bowl games, and won two Big Ten West division titles (2018, 2020).
His coaching philosophy emphasised toughness, academic performance, and developing the “student-athlete.” He was widely respected within the Big Ten Conference until the events that led to his exit.
2. Personal Life – Wife, Children & Family
Pat Fitzgerald married his longtime partner, Stacy Fitzgerald, around 2001. Stacy has played an active role not just as a coach’s spouse but in youth football and community leadership (such as the North Shore Griffins Youth Football League).
The couple live in Northfield, Illinois, and have three sons: Jack (born November 2004), Ryan (born September 2006), and Brendan (born February 2009).
In interviews, Fitzgerald has mentioned the stress the legal proceedings placed on his family:
“The rush to judgment in the media … have caused me, my wife, and my three sons great stress, embarrassment, and reputational harm in the last two years.”
Hence, the “wife” portion of the title in this article connects directly to the role Stacy played in supporting Fitzgerald through his career, well beyond the gridiron.
3. The Hazing Allegations and Dismissal at Northwestern
In November 2022, an anonymous complaint triggered a university investigation at Northwestern. The probe uncovered allegations of hazing, sexual misconduct, and racialised mistreatment within the football programme.
In July 2023, Northwestern announced Fitzgerald’s dismissal, saying that while he was not found to have known of or condoned hazing, the leadership determined a change was necessary given the culture they found.
Fitzgerald accepted a two-week suspension but was fired days later. The firing sent shockwaves through college football, given his long tenure and status as a school icon.
4. The Lawsuit – Wrongful Termination & $130 Million Claim
In October 2023, Pat Fitzgerald filed a lawsuit against Northwestern University and its leadership seeking $130 million, alleging wrongful termination, breach of contract, reputational damage, emotional distress, and future lost income.
Key claims included:
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The termination lacked legal basis under his employment agreement.
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He claimed he had no knowledge of hazing and never directed or encouraged it.
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Significant discovery in the case showed responsive evidence supporting his version.
The lawsuit was set to go to trial in November 2025.
5. The Settlement – August 2025
On August 21, 2025, Northwestern University and Fitzgerald announced they had reached a settlement. The terms were not publicly disclosed.
In the settlement statement, Fitzgerald said:
“I am extremely disappointed that members of the team engaged in this behavior … No one reported it to me, so that I could have alerted Northwestern’s Athletic Department and administrators…”
Northwestern’s statement said the evidence did not establish that any player reported hazing to Coach Fitzgerald or that he condoned or directed it.
Following the settlement, Fitzgerald said he feels “100 percent vindicated.”
From a legal and reputational standpoint, the settlement allows Fitzgerald and his family to move on. It also signals the university’s willingness to close this chapter.
6. Why “Penn State” Appears in the Title? – Clarifying the Misnomer
The title of this article includes “Penn State,” but to be precise: Fitzgerald coached at Northwestern, not at Penn State University. There is a subtle reason the connection might appear: in broader Big Ten and coaching-search contexts, his name comes up in relation to other programs (including Penn State) because of his coaching reputation and recent availability. For instance, one source mentions Fitzgerald being considered in discussions around Big Ten coaching vacancies.
Thus, the “Penn State” part may reflect his potential in coaching markets that include Penn State as an institution, but he has not served as head coach at Penn State.
7. Key Implications & Lessons
Reputation & Leadership: The Fitzgerald saga underscores how a highly-successful coach’s reputation can be jeopardised by institutional failures, even when the coach asserts no direct knowledge. The stress and reputational damage he cited involved not just himself but his wife Stacy and their three sons.
Institutional Risk & Culture: Northwestern’s handling of the hazing allegations and its decision to terminate a long-tenured coach reflects how universities are increasingly held responsible for the culture and oversight within athletic programmes.
Legal Precedents: The settlement may influence future cases around wrongful termination involving coaches, university investigations, and hazing allegations. Even though terms were undisclosed, the fact of settlement signals caution for both sides.
Family Buffer: For coaches, the familial support system—spouse, children, home life—can become a buffer (or point of vulnerability) during crises. In this case Pat and Stacy’s family took a public-and-private hit.
Coaching Future: With his reputation legally resolved, Fitzgerald is positioned to seek his next chapter in coaching, though the shadow of the scandal and the settlement will likely remain part of the narrative.
8. Conclusion
Pat Fitzgerald remains one of college football’s more interesting case studies: from All-American linebacker to long-time head coach, to being embroiled in a hazing-driven legal and reputational crisis, and finally reaching a settlement that many view as a vindication. Through it all his family—wife Stacy and their three sons—have been part of the story. While the “Penn State” mention may reflect broader coaching context, his direct legacy remains tied to Northwestern University. For coaches, university administrators, student-athletes, and sports fans alike, the Fitzgerald story offers lessons in leadership, accountability, family resilience, and institutional oversight.
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