Pat Fitzgerald was introduced as Michigan State's new football coach, signing a five-year deal, after leading Northwestern for 17 years. His hiring marks a significant move for MSU, which is currently on NCAA probation, and follows the firing of previous coach Jonathan Smith. Fitzgerald, a College Football Hall of Famer, aims to restore tradition and build a strong program at MSU.
Pat Fitzgerald is expected to become the new head coach at Michigan State after being fired from Northwestern due to hazing allegations, with Michigan State seeking a fresh start after recent coaching changes and bowl game drought.
Michigan State is hiring former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald as its new football coach, replacing Jonathan Smith after a poor season and Smith's record against Big Ten teams. Fitzgerald, who was recently involved in a hazing controversy at Northwestern, settled a wrongful termination lawsuit with the university. MSU aims to restore its football program's competitive stature with Fitzgerald's leadership.
Michigan State is hiring former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald as their new head football coach after firing Jonathan Smith, aiming to revitalize the program amid high expectations following recent instability and coaching changes.
Michigan State has fired football coach Jonathan Smith and is planning to hire Pat Fitzgerald, citing Fitzgerald's strong communication skills, Big Ten roots, and strategic vision as key advantages. The move reflects MSU's efforts to reinvigorate its football program with top donor support and alignment within the athletic department, aiming for higher competitiveness and program stability.
Pat Fitzgerald, former Northwestern football coach, settled a lawsuit related to a hazing scandal and now plans to return to coaching, feeling fully vindicated and ready to pursue new opportunities in college or NFL coaching.
Pat Fitzgerald, former Northwestern football coach, feels fully vindicated after settling his wrongful termination lawsuit with the university, and he is actively seeking a new coaching position, emphasizing his readiness and positive outlook for the future.
Northwestern University settled a $130 million wrongful termination lawsuit with former football coach Pat Fitzgerald, who was fired amid a hazing scandal. Fitzgerald denied any wrongdoing, claiming he had no knowledge of hazing and was unfairly dismissed. The university also stated that evidence did not support allegations of his involvement in hazing, and has since taken steps to improve athletic department culture.
Pat Fitzgerald, former Northwestern football coach, settled a wrongful termination lawsuit with the university over allegations of hazing, after initially being suspended and then dismissed following an investigation. Fitzgerald denied knowledge of hazing but acknowledged its occurrence, and the case was scheduled for trial before the settlement. The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed.
Pat Fitzgerald, former Northwestern football coach, reached a settlement with the university over his wrongful termination related to a hazing scandal, denying knowledge of any hazing and emphasizing his efforts to prevent misconduct during his 17-year tenure.
Pat Fitzgerald, former Northwestern football coach, reached a settlement with the university in his wrongful termination lawsuit related to hazing allegations in the football program. Fitzgerald maintained he was unaware of the hazing, which occurred without his knowledge, and the terms of the settlement were not disclosed. The university emphasized that Fitzgerald did not condone or direct hazing, and Fitzgerald expressed a desire to return to coaching.
Northwestern and former football coach Pat Fitzgerald settled a $130 million wrongful termination lawsuit related to hazing allegations, with Fitzgerald denying knowledge of hazing and emphasizing his clean record, while the university highlighted efforts to prevent future hazing. The case was set for trial but was resolved through settlement, allowing Fitzgerald potential opportunities to return to coaching.
Former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald's attorney is seeking a December trial date for Fitzgerald's wrongful termination lawsuit against the university, as he wants to avoid sitting out a third season before coaching again. Fitzgerald was fired in the wake of hazing allegations within the program and filed a lawsuit seeking more than $130 million in damages. The judge had proposed April 2025 as a possible trial date, but no date was set during a recent virtual court hearing. Both parties are encouraged to reach a settlement before trial.
Northwestern becomes bowl-eligible with a 23-15 win over Purdue, securing their first postseason berth since 2020. After a tumultuous season that included a hazing scandal and the firing of longtime coach Pat Fitzgerald, interim head coach David Braun led the Wildcats to victory in his first game as head coach. Cam Porter scored two rushing touchdowns, while Ben Bryant threw a 52-yard touchdown pass to Cam Johnson. Northwestern's defense came up big, stopping fourth-down attempts and recording takeaways. The win sets up a matchup against in-state rival Illinois next week.
Former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald has filed a lawsuit against the university seeking $130 million in damages after being fired for cause amid hazing allegations. Fitzgerald's complaint alleges that Northwestern violated their agreement by firing him without presenting new evidence and that he was never given written notice of the specific breaches of his contract. The university maintains that hazing took place under Fitzgerald's watch and that they acted appropriately in terminating his employment.
