Getty Image / Scott Taetsch
There is no doubt that Pat Fitzgerald is the most influential figure in the history of Northwestern football. The star linebacker led Northwestern to their only Rose Bowl appearance ever in 1995 and another Big Ten title in 1996 after decades of being a laughingstock in college football. And, he came back to Evanston as an assistant in 2000 before being named the head coach of the program in 2006 after the tragic death of coach Randy Walker three months prior to the start of the season.
Since then, he has become the all-time winningest coach in Northwestern history. His record of 110-101 may not jump off the page, but this is a program that went 24 years without a winning season between 1971-1995 and went 3-52, yes, 3-52, between 1976-1981. He even got the Wildcats to the Big Ten title game in the 2020 COVID Season, and signed a 10-year extension after that season.
But, results on the field lately outside the 2020 season have not been good, and that was apparent during 2022. After winning their opening game against Nebraska in Dublin, Northwestern lost their last 11 games to finish 1-11. And, things have only gotten worse off the field.
After hazing allegations were made against the program in January, an investigation ensued. And, on Friday, Northwestern announced that Pat Fitzgerald was suspended without pay for two weeks. Of course, we’re in the period before preseason camp starts, and he can afford to be docked the pay, so it wasn’t really a punishment at all.
But, on Saturday, a report by the student newspaper at Northwestern alleged that Pat Fitzgerald knew about the hazing in the program, and may have even participated in it in an indirect manner.
Later on Saturday, a letter, signed as, but not by, the entire Northwestern football team, came out in support of Pat Fitzgerald.
Statement from Northwestern’s entire team pushing back against the allegations of hazing, which they call “exaggerated and twisted.” They also say coach Pat Fitzgerald had no knowledge or involvement in the allegations. pic.twitter.com/lMOAgCe0EB
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) July 9, 2023
Shortly after, Northwestern put out a statement that indicates they will be reconsidering their course of action regarding the situation.
Northwestern President announces they are reopening the investigation into disturbing hazing allegations within football program.
Translation: Maybe that 2 week suspension was incompetent
Full statement: https://t.co/WIJURSzi1D pic.twitter.com/Suq5YeSxQ8
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) July 9, 2023
Will Pat Fitzgerald keep his job? I don’t know. But, it looks a lot less likely than it did 24 hours ago.