Pat Fitzgerald firing news has been trending ever since Northwestern University removed longtime head coach Pat Fitzgerald from the football program. But a lot has changed since then – including a major legal settlement that changed the public understanding of his firing.
Here is the full story explained in simple language.
Who is Pat Fitzgerald?
Pat Fitzgerald is a former American college football coach best known for leading the Northwestern Wildcats for 17 seasons.
Under his leadership, Northwestern:
- Reached multiple bowl games
- Earned national respect
- Experienced some of the best seasons in its history
He was widely seen as the face of the university’s football program.
Was Pat Fitzgerald Fired?
Yes, Pat Fitzgerald was fired in July 2023.
Northwestern University removed him after a series of hazing and misconduct allegations involving players on the football team.
The firing happened quickly:
- He was first given a two-week suspension.
- Days later, the university reversed course and announced he was fired.
This officially ended his 17-year run as head coach.
Why Was He Fired?
Pat Fitzgerald was dismissed after an investigation into:
- Hazing within the football program
- Allegations of abusive behavior
- Claims of an unhealthy team culture
Although the investigation found problems in the program, it did not prove that Fitzgerald personally knew about the misconduct. Still, Northwestern’s leadership decided to fire him.
What Happened After His Firing?
Pat Fitzgerald responded by filing a $130 million wrongful-termination lawsuit.
His legal argument was simple:
- He said he did not know about the hazing.
- He said he was fired without proper process.
- He said he should not be held responsible for actions he didn’t authorize.
The 2025 Settlement
In 2025, Northwestern and Fitzgerald reached a legal settlement.
As part of the agreement:
- The university acknowledged there was no evidence that Fitzgerald ordered, encouraged, or knew about the hazing.
- Fitzgerald said he felt 100% vindicated.
This settlement changed the tone of the entire story.
While he was still fired, the settlement suggested he was not personally responsible for the misconduct.
Is Pat Fitzgerald Returning to Coaching?
Yes, Fitzgerald has said he wants to return to coaching and is actively looking for opportunities.
He has:
- Expressed interest in leading another college football program
- Shared confidence he will be hired again
- Said the settlement cleared his name
Whether he will return remains uncertain, but analysts believe he could secure a job as early as the 2026 season.
Conclusion
If you are searching pat fitzgerald fired, here’s the simple truth:
- Yes, he was fired in 2023 due to a hazing scandal.
- No, investigators did not prove he personally took part in or knew about the misconduct.
- In 2025, he settled his lawsuit and says he has been vindicated.
- He is now aiming to return to coaching.
So while the firing happened, it is no longer the full story – the settlement provides important context.
