"The 50-year-old Fitzgerald reached a settlement with Northwestern in August, two years after he sued the university amid a team hazing scandal that led to his firing following an investigation. Details of the settlement were not made public. Former Northwestern football players started filing lawsuits in 2023, alleging sexual abuse and racial discrimination on the team. Similar allegations then spread across several sports."
"Fitzgerald denied wrongdoing and sued for $130 million. He alleged the school illegally terminated his employment and damaged his reputation, among other things. His case was set to go to trial this month. Fitzgerald was an All-America linebacker for the Wildcats and starred on the 1995 team that won the Big Ten and played in the Rose Bowl. He was 110-101 in 17 seasons as Northwestern's head coach."
"Pat Fitzgerald has emerged as the target of Michigan State's coaching search, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel on Sunday night, confirming a report. The sides are working toward a deal, which is expected to be finalized in the near future. The anticipated arrival of Fitzgerald comes after Michigan State fired Jonathan Smith on Sunday, two years after he was hired, and one day after the Spartans defeated Maryland to conclude the regular season."
Pat Fitzgerald is expected to become Michigan State's next football coach as the sides work toward a deal following the dismissal of Jonathan Smith. Michigan State fired Smith after a 4-8 season and loss streak; AD J Batt said the 2025 season did not meet shared standards and a coaching change was necessary to chart a new direction. Fitzgerald reached a settlement with Northwestern after suing the university amid a team hazing scandal; former players filed lawsuits alleging sexual abuse and racial discrimination. Fitzgerald denied wrongdoing, sued for $130 million, and had a 110-101 record over 17 seasons at Northwestern.
Read at ESPN.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]