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Pat Fitzgerald to hire legal representation following Northwestern dismissal
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Pat Fitzgerald is out at Northwestern with the program officially parting ways with the longtime head coach on Monday.
The firing of Fitzgerald comes amidst an investigation into allegations of hazing within the Wildcat football program. That investigation was rocked by a Saturday report from the student-led newspaper, The Daily Northwestern, that included disturbing allegations from an anonymous former player.
Saturday’s report led to a stark turn of events at Northwestern. Following the completion of the investigation, Fitzgerald received a 2-week unpaid suspension from the university that was handed down on Friday. However, he was fired Monday, a quick turnaround that has Fitzgerald hiring legal representation, the head coach announced in a Monday evening statement.
Here is part of that statement from Fitzgerald:
Our program instilled in young men the qualities to become outstanding husbands, fathers, and valuable contributors to society. Our players were well-prepared to make a positive impact in the world, and I am confident in the success we achieved together. The overwhelming majority of players we coaching, 99% to be precise, have provided positive feedback that affirms our efforts.
Attorney Maggie Hickey conducted a thorough investigation spanning several months into the allegations that led to my termination. Her investigation reaffirmed what I have always maintained — that I had no knowledge whatsoever of any form of hazing within the Northwestern Football Program.
Last Friday, Northwestern and I came to a mutual agreement regarding the appropriate resolution following the thorough investigation conducted by Ms. Hickey. This agreement stipulated a 2-week suspension. Therefore, I was surprised when I learned that the president of Northwestern unilaterally revoked our agreement without any prior notification and subsequently terminated my employment.
Given this unexpected turn of events, I have entrusted my agent, Bryan Harlan, and legal counsel, Dan Webb from Winston & Strawn LLP, to take the necessary steps to protect my rights in accordance with the law.
Moving forward
With Fitzgerald out in the middle of the summer, the Wildcats are expected to move forward with an interim head coach for the 2023 season. According to reports, the acting head coach will be recently hired DC David Braun.
Braun was most recently a DC at the FCS level for powerhouse North Dakota State. He was hired to revamp Northwestern’s defense after a string of disappointing performances.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.