Pat Fitzgerald

Pat Fitzgerald: biography

Patrick William Fitzgerald Jr., an American football coach and former player, previously held the position of head coach for the Northwestern Wildcats football program. However, he was terminated in 2023 following a hazing scandal.

Childhood and youth

Pat Fitzgerald was born on December 2, 1974, in Midlothian, Illinois, U.S. Growing up, he displayed a passion for sports, particularly football. Fitzgerald attended Sandburg High School in Orland Park, where he excelled as a football player.

During his high school years, Fitzgerald's talent and dedication on the field were evident. He played as a linebacker and quickly gained a reputation for his tenacity, work ethic, and leadership skills. His performances on the gridiron caught the attention of college recruiters, paving the way for his future in football.

After graduating from high school, Fitzgerald decided to continue his football career at Northwestern University. He enrolled at Northwestern in 1993 and joined the Wildcats football team as a linebacker. His time at Northwestern would prove to be transformative, both athletically and academically.

As a student-athlete, Fitzgerald balanced his commitment to football with his studies. He displayed a strong academic drive, earning recognition as an Academic All-American during his college years. On the football field, he became one of the program's most accomplished players, setting numerous school records and earning accolades for his outstanding performances.

Overall, Pat Fitzgerald's childhood and youth were marked by his passion for football, his exceptional abilities as a player, and his commitment to both athletics and academics. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his successful career as a football coach and his dedication to shaping the lives of student-athletes.

Football career

Pat Fitzgerald's football career spans both his time as a player and his subsequent career as a coach. As a player, Fitzgerald made a significant impact as a linebacker for the Northwestern Wildcats from 1993 to 1996.

During his college career, Fitzgerald became one of the most decorated players in Northwestern's history. He was a two-time winner of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded to the nation's top defensive player, and the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the best defensive player in college football. Fitzgerald's exceptional skills and leadership qualities earned him the nickname "The Lion" among Northwestern fans.

His impact extended beyond individual accolades. Fitzgerald played a crucial role in one of the most successful periods in Northwestern football history. In 1995, he led the Wildcats to a Big Ten championship and a trip to the Rose Bowl, marking the team's first appearance in the prestigious bowl game in nearly half a century.

After his college playing career, Fitzgerald briefly played in the NFL, spending the 1997 season with the Dallas Cowboys. However, a knee injury cut his professional playing career short. Nonetheless, Fitzgerald's passion for the game remained undiminished, and he turned his attention to coaching.

Coaching career

Pat Fitzgerald's coaching career began in 2001 when he joined the coaching staff at his alma mater, Northwestern University, as a linebackers coach. His passion for the program and his deep understanding of the game quickly became evident, and he made a positive impact on the team's defense.

In 2006, Fitzgerald was promoted to the head coaching position at Northwestern, making him the youngest head coach in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) at the time. He inherited a program that had experienced limited success in previous years, but he was determined to turn it around.

In 2009, the Wildcats had notable victories over Iowa and Wisconsin, finishing with a thrilling game in the 2010 Outback Bowl. In 2010, they upset Iowa again and had a winning season. In 2011, they defeated Nebraska. The 2012 campaign saw the Wildcats go 9-3 and win the Gator Bowl. In 2013, the team started strong but had a disappointing season. In 2014, they had some ups and downs but had a memorable victory over Notre Dame. In 2015, they had a successful season with 10 wins. The 2016 season started with losses but the team rallied with three consecutive overtime wins. They finished with a 10-win season and won the Pinstripe Bowl. In 2017, they won the Big Ten West Division but lost in the Big Ten Championship Game. They won the Music City Bowl to finish with a 10-win season again. The 2018 season saw the Wildcats win the Big Ten West Division again and play in the Big Ten Championship Game. They finished with a win in the Holiday Bowl.

On July 7, 2023, Northwestern University suspended Fitzgerald for two weeks following an independent investigation that substantiated allegations of hazing and assaults by varsity players. The investigation found that Fitzgerald was aware of these incidents and even made hand gestures indicating that freshman players should be physically and sexually assaulted for poor performance. The reported acts of sexual assault included activities such as forced dry-humping by upperclassmen and entering team showers through parallel lines of spinning naked teammates to simulate a carwash. Additionally, the accuser mentioned being compelled to perform a center-to-quarterback snapping while naked. The investigation, led by former Illinois inspector general Maggie Hickey, concluded that the accusations made by the players were largely supported by evidence. As a result, on July 10, 2023, Fitzgerald was fired from his position due to the hazing and mental-sexual assault allegations against players who underperformed.

Under Fitzgerald's leadership, Northwestern underwent a transformation. He instilled a culture of hard work, discipline, and academic excellence, emphasizing the development of well-rounded student-athletes. Fitzgerald's commitment to the holistic growth of his players has been a hallmark of his coaching philosophy.

Personal life

Fitzgerald is married to his wife Stacy and their three sons, Jack, Ryan, and Brendan. In January 2010, he purchased a newly constructed home worth $2.3 million. Fitzgerald is a passionate supporter of the area's professional sports teams, frequently using his Twitter feed to show his enthusiasm for the Bears, Blackhawks, and White Sox.

In April 2017, Fitzgerald signed a ten-year contract extension with Northwestern. While the university is not required to disclose compensation details as a private institution, available tax forms suggest that Fitzgerald is one of the highest-paid coaches in the Big Ten. Demonstrating further support for Fitzgerald and the football team, Northwestern invested $260 million in constructing a state-of-the-art football facility on the lakeshore section of campus, which opened its doors in 2018.

Accomplishments and honors

• 2× Bronko Nagurski Trophy (1995, 1996)
• 2× Chuck Bednarik Award (1995, 1996)
• Jack Lambert Trophy (1996)
• 2× Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (1995, 1996)
• 2× Consensus All-American (1995, 1996)
• Big Ten Coach of the Year (2018)
• Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award (2020)

Championships:

• 2× Big Ten West Division (2018, 2020)