Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Pat Fitzgerald Vindicated in Lawsuit, Eyes 2025 College Football Coaching Return
A football coach named Pat Fitzgerald used to work for Northwestern University.
Some bad stuff called hazing happened with the team, and he was fired.
He sued the university because he felt it wasn't fair.
Now, they've settled the lawsuit, and the university agrees that there wasn't proof he knew about or encouraged the hazing.
Pat feels completely cleared and is excited to coach football again.
He's been learning new things while he was away and feels ready to get back on the field.
He's looking for a new job coaching at a college, hoping to find a place that has strong support and good resources.
Former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald has been vindicated following the August 2025 settlement of his wrongful termination lawsuit.
Northwestern's statement confirmed no evidence was found proving Fitzgerald knew of or encouraged hazing.
Fitzgerald stated he feels '100 percent vindicated' and is ready to resume his college football coaching career.
He was fired in July 2023 after a two-week suspension amid hazing allegations that surfaced in late 2022.
Fitzgerald is seeking a coaching position for the 2025 season, emphasizing a desire for complete alignment and strong administrative support.
- Who
- Former Northwestern Wildcats coach Pat Fitzgerald
- What
- Settled a wrongful termination lawsuit, was fully cleared of hazing allegations, and is now looking to return to college football coaching in 2025.
- When
- Lawsuit settled in August 2025; Fitzgerald aims to return in 2025.
- Where
- Northwestern University; eyes college football coaching vacancies.
- Why
- Fitzgerald filed a wrongful termination lawsuit after being fired following hazing allegations; the settlement has vindicated him and opened the door for his return to coaching.
Pat Fitzgerald
Northwestern University
Knowledge of or Encouragement of Hazing
Pat Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald feels 100% vindicated and states the evidence did not establish he knew of or condoned hazing.
Northwestern University
Northwestern's statement confirmed evidence did not establish Fitzgerald knew of or encouraged hazing, and wished him luck resuming his career.
- Lawsuit Settlement Date
- August 2025
- Fitzgerald's Tenure at Northwestern
- 26 years
- Fitzgerald's Age
- Turning 50
- Fitzgerald's Goal for Next Job
- Total alignment, robust NIL, homegrown talent, full admin buy-in.