Mike Hankwitz, longtime Northwestern assistant, issues lengthy defense of Pat Fitzgerald

Mike Hankwitz was at one time among the most regarded defensive coordinators across the country. In a coaching career that spanned 50 seasons, he spent over a decade on Pat Fitzgerald’s Northwestern staff.

After serving as Fitzgerald’s DC from 2008-20, Hankwitz undoubtedly had an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of Northwestern’s culture. He also went to bat with a lengthy defense of Fitzgerald posted on Twitter.

“Many rumors and allegations are swirling around about Pat Fitzgerald and the culture he developed at Northwestern Football,” Hankwitz wrote on social media. “Please see my statement as to all of the steps Coach Fitz took to foster a healthy culture and maximize the experience of Northwestern student-athletes.”

Here are some of the details Hankwitz included in his extensive outline of Northwestern’s program under Fitzgerald:

• A year-round open-door policy whereby players or staff could come by anytime to discuss issues or concerns.
• 24/7 accessibility to Fitzgerald for the players. Every player on the team had the head coach’s cell number per Hankwitz.
• An annual meeting where Fitzgerald covered the team and university rules and policies, including the zero tolerance for hazing, and encouraging anyone who felt hazed to come to the coach.
• Individual meetings with each player prior to and during spring practices to discuss their anticipated role and any concerns about the program
• Year-round player access to “additional resources” that included trainers/doctors, sports psychologists, academic advisors, mentors and other resources

Hankwitz also detailed a regular “exit interview” whenever players left the program. This interview was conducted by a faculty member not associated with the athletic department per Hankwitz in hopes “players would feel free to speak their minds.” It was included that the exit interview was voluntary but Hankwitz indicated the “majority of players” utilized the interview.

At the end of the day, it’s hard to see how Hankwitz’s defense of his former head coach stacks up against a long list of hazing allegations. However, Hankwitz said all the steps Fitzgerald took to educate players and give them resources/outlets “should be considered” amidst these allegations.

Paul Harvey

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.