More than two years after swelling allegations of a locker room hazing scandal gave way to his firing, former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald will take the reins of Michigan State’s football program, ESPN’s Pete Thamel first reported Monday.
The 17-year sideline boss — who played linebacker during the Wildcats’ 1995 Rose Bowl season and led his purple-clad squad to 110 wins during his coaching tenure — reached a settlement with the University in a wrongful termination lawsuit in August.
According to an NU statement issued immediately following the settlement, litigation with Fitzgerald “brought to light highly inappropriate conduct in the football program,” while also revealing the former coach had no knowledge of the harmful behaviors taking place under his leadership.
“Northwestern wishes Coach Fitzgerald the best in resuming his football career,” the August statement read.
In July 2023, Fitzgerald was initially suspended without pay after an outside investigation found evidence of hazing in NU’s football program. He was then dismissed after a Daily report detailed the allegations of that hazing, which had not been previously reported by the school.
The longest-tenured coach in program history returned to NU in October for his first public appearance on campus since his firing. During the ’Cats shutout win over Purdue, Fitzgerald joined his former teammates for an on-field ceremony commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Rose Bowl squad.
Now, given the keys to another Big Ten squad, Fitzgerald will host his former team in East Lansing, Michigan, next season when the ’Cats play the Spartans on the road.
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Related Stories:
— Pat Fitzgerald reaches settlement against NU
— Rapid Recap: Northwestern 19, Purdue 0
— Former NU football player details hazing allegations after coach suspension
