Pat Fitzgerald was Northwestern football royalty. Then, a hazing scandal forced him out

October 16, 2026

Pat Fitzgerald’s legacy at Northwestern football was once unmatched, built on a foundation of success both as a player and coach. As an All-American linebacker, he helped lead the Wildcats to a Big Ten title and Rose Bowl appearance in 1995 before returning as head coach in 2006, following the death of Randy Walker.

Over 17 seasons, Fitzgerald delivered the program’s longest stretch of success, amassing 110 wins and 10 bowl appearances, including three seasons with at least 10 victories—a rarity in Northwestern’s history. His tenure became synonymous with the program itself, until a hazing scandal in 2023 forced his abrupt departure after 22 years with the university.

The controversy began with an anonymous complaint in 2022, alleging hazing among football players in the locker room and at Camp Kenosha, where preseason training took place. An independent investigation in 2023 concluded Fitzgerald and his staff were unaware of the misconduct, though it acknowledged missed opportunities to address it.

Despite the findings, Northwestern terminated Fitzgerald’s contract, leading to a wrongful termination lawsuit that was settled in 2025. Now coaching Michigan State, Fitzgerald will face Northwestern for the first time in a Week 7 matchup on October 17, marking a poignant return to the program he once defined.