Fitzgerald fired as Northwestern 'hazing' incidents come to light
By Rory-Joe Daniels
Pat Fitzgerald’s 40-year association with Northwestern University ended yesterday evening after startling revelations regarding the culture of the football program came to light. Rory Joe Daniels looks at the timeline, and what’s next for the Wildcats as the 2023 season looms large:
Pat Fitzgerald’s 17-year reign as Northwestern head coach came to an abrupt end this weekend. After reports surfaced of alleged ‘hazing’ incidents in the Wildcat locker room, Fitzgerald was initially suspended for two weeks. At first it seemed to be a minor story that Northwestern brass had hoped to move on from swiftly.
Reports then followed of further incidents and it came to light the exact inappropriate behaviour that had occurred. The more pressing concern was that Fitzgerald, as head coach, was accused of being aware and in some instances encouraging the ‘hazing’ to take place.
On Monday, the situation reached an untenable position. Northwestern parted ways with their former player and long-term head coach. Interestingly, it came as a surprise to Fitzgerald who then proceeded to inform the press he would be taking legal action against his employers.
Here’s the statement on the Fitz decision from University pres. Michael Schill. @thedailynu pic.twitter.com/otC9btYL94
— Nicole Markus (@nicolejmarkus) July 10, 2023
For the time being, nothing has been proven and while further accusations of a ‘racist culture’ surfaced via The Touchdown Wire, Fitzgerald has not been proven to be at fault. This has caused outcry from former players who support their former head coach and put the reports down to players who felt scorned by the program.
Of course with a roster of over 100 players, there will be a number disgruntled by their lack of action or playing time and they can often harbour resentment to the coaching staff. That said it brings to light the continued issue college football has with ‘hazing’ practices; archaic initiation tests designed to ‘test the mettle’ and generally embarrass newcomers to the team.
While commonplace 20 years ago, as the college football landscape transforms into a professional workplace thanks to the NIL opportunities afforded to players, it’s time players and staff accept these incidents need to stop. At best, Fitzgerald was ignorant to what was occurring in his own locker room. As a multi-million dollar head coach that’s not good enough.
Whether or not Fitzgerald is cleared of wrongdoing, it has cost him his job. Key to him will be the verdict being incompetence rather than willingly encouraging a culture of bullying. If that is the case he stands a chance of a comeback, like Hugh Freeze and Kendall Briles.
What now for the Wildcats? Their legal battle with Fitzgerald is likely to be lengthy and ugly as they seek to prove their firing of Fitzgerald was justified. Coming off the back of a 1-11 season the outlook is not particularly rosy. So who might fill the vacant head coach spot?
Early favourites to be mentioned are former Stanford head coach David Shaw who may be tempted with a quick return to coaching. Tulane boss Willie Fritz may jump at getting to the Big 10 even though a late swap now may not be the smartest move. Former Vanderbilt coach and Shaw disciple Derek Mason is another name mentioned.
Whoever steps in must ensure that a strong leadership council is formed to ensure Northwestern move away from any toxic culture that is simmering in the background and embrace the opportunity they have, being part of one of the two biggest football conferences in the country.
Feature Image Credit: Jeff Haynes (Associated Press)
