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Mike Hankwitz reflects on legendary coaching career following Northwestern’s Citrus Bowl win
By Paul Harvey
Published:
After 51 incredible years, Mike Hankwitz’s career is coming to a close.
The long-time defensive coordinator arrived at Northwestern in 2008 and helped establish one of the B1G’s best defenses under head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Every year, the Wildcats seem to produce an elite and well-rounded defensive squad.
On New Year’s Day, Hankwitz’s unit more than held up their end of the bargain, limiting Auburn to 19 points in a Citrus Bowl victory. As the offense put up 35 points, it went down as the biggest win in Northwestern history over an SEC opponent.
The win also wrapped up Hankwitz’s career with 400 career victories as an assistant, a truly legendary accomplishment for the former Michigan player and graduate assistant.
After the game, Hankwitz reflected on his career and outlook for retirement during a special postgame press conference. Among other things, he says he is excited to travel – after some rest – and to visit with some of his former teammates from his final team at Michigan.
Here are his highlights:
Hank, emotional, says he's having a tough time coping with it being his last game.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) January 1, 2021
Hank says he is proud of how this year's defense has responded to adversity time and again. Says they were an awesome red zone unit, all year long and again today.
"Field goals won't beat you very often."
— Inside NU (@insidenu) January 1, 2021
Hank: "I'd like to think we helped raise the bar a little."
He may've helped a little.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) January 1, 2021
Hankwitz says he tried to treat this week as he would a normal one. Credits Tim McGarigle as being helpful with run defense and pressures as well as Matt MacPherson for the nation's most efficient pass defense.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) January 1, 2021
Hank says after he gets some rest he looks forward to traveling and seeing people he hasn't been able to see in a long time, especially teammates from his senior season at Michigan.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) January 1, 2021
Hankwitz finishes by saying he'll remember the players' resolve from today. Said it didn't matter what score they won it.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) January 1, 2021
ʜᴀɴᴋ. pic.twitter.com/1mqzIxmIGN
— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) January 1, 2021
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.