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B1G Money: Pat Fitzgerald’s salary reportedly reached $5 million in 2017
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One of the best parts of being the head coach at a private institution like Northwestern is that Pat Fitzgerald’s annual salary is pretty much an unknown. The school isn’t required to release financial details of the contract.
However, due to sifting through some recent federal tax returns, USA Today’s Steve Berkowitz put a figure next to Fitzgerald’s salary, and it’s a pretty big number.
Per the report, Fitzgerald joined college football’s $5 million club, being credited with more than $5.1 million for the 2017 calendar year. $4.1 million was in a base salary and $700,000 in “reportable compensation.” He also earned $310,000 in bonuses.
According to USA Today, that total would be the third-highest in the B1G for 2018, behind Urban Meyer ($7.6 million) and Jim Harbaugh ($7.5 million). It would be the 10th-highest nationally.
Fitzgerald is entering his 14th season at Northwestern, leading the Wildcats to their first division title last season. Northwestern finished the 2018 campaign with a 9-5 record, which included an 8-1 mark in B1G play.
The Wildcats suffered a 45-24 loss to Ohio State in the B1G Championship Game.
In 14 seasons, Fitzgerald has accumulated a 96-70 record and is 56-51 in B1G play. He’s guided the Wildcats to nine bowl games and three 10-win seasons.
Fitzgerald agreed to a contract extension at Northwestern in April 2017.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB