Photo by Bobak Ha'Eri (CC BY 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons

Michigan State’s Pat Fitzgerald says his 1st game vs. his former Northwestern team ‘is not about me’

Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald adopted a subdued tone at his Monday press conference, explicitly stating that his upcoming matchup against his former employer is focused entirely on the athletes rather than his personal history. This measured approach follows a week in which Fitzgerald gained significant social media attention for animated sideline gestures, including flipping a middle finger, during a 38-37 overtime defeat to Illinois.

Fitzgerald, who was dismissed by Northwestern in July 2023 following a hazing investigation and subsequently settled a $130 million wrongful termination lawsuit in August 2025, expressed pride in his 17-year tenure there, which yielded a 110-101 record and 10 bowl games. The Spartans, currently sitting at 2-4 overall and 0-3 in conference play, are still searching for their first win against a Power Four opponent under Fitzgerald, having previously lost to Nebraska, Notre Dame, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

He also praised Northwestern head coach David Braun and the current roster, noting his personal satisfaction in seeing former recruits succeed at the high level.

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