Just a few years ago, Pat Fitzgerald was celebrated as one of the premier coaches in college football, often ranked among the top ten in the power conference coaching hierarchy. His impressive track record at Northwestern brought him acclaim, even placing him ahead of prominent names like Jim Harbaugh and James Franklin in various coaching rankings. However, after a tumultuous exit from Northwestern due to hazing allegations, Fitzgerald finds himself re-entering the coaching landscape, ready to seize opportunities amid the upcoming coaching changes projected for 2025.
With eight Power Four coaching positions already available, and possibly more on the horizon—including Stanford’s vacancy—Fitzgerald is strategically positioned to make a comeback. After reaching a settlement in his wrongful termination lawsuit against Northwestern, he expressed feeling “100 percent vindicated,” and indications suggest he has already gained positive feedback from potential employers in the industry.
Fitzgerald has firmly denied any participation in the alleged hazing, emphasizing that he had no prior knowledge of such activities. In a statement, he highlighted the profound personal and professional impact the allegations have had on him and his family, reiterating that the rush to judgment against him was both false and damaging.
Current Openings
Stanford
Fitzgerald’s experience over 17 seasons at Northwestern, where he successfully navigated the challenges of a high-academic environment while still competing athletically, makes him a fitting candidate for Stanford. The Cardinal are currently struggling under interim coach Frank Reich. If the administration opts for an external hire, Fitzgerald’s prior experience in a similar setting could make him an appealing choice.
UCLA
Another intriguing possibility lies at UCLA, where the challenges include resource constraints and the woes of a program still trying to establish its footing. Fitzgerald’s proven ability to excel under pressure at Northwestern shows a capacity to maximize potential despite setbacks. Given the existing challenges, he could find UCLA a suitable platform to relaunch his coaching career.
Penn State
Securing the Penn State head coaching position would be a significant achievement for Fitzgerald. His remarkable track record at Northwestern, including several ten-win seasons, indicates he could replicate success with the more substantial resources available at a school with a storied football history. However, given the previous controversies surrounding the program, the university might need to balance public perception against performance should they consider Fitzgerald for the role.
Arkansas
As Arkansas actively seeks to secure James Franklin as their next head coach, Fitzgerald might emerge as an effective secondary choice if that pursuit falls through. Critics may question his recruiting capabilities in the SEC, but Fitzgerald has demonstrated the necessary leadership and management skills to elevate a program, especially with financial backing to attract talent.
Potential Openings
Maryland
Maryland’s recent downturn from a promising start could prompt a coaching change, making Fitzgerald a realistic candidate. His intimate familiarity with the Big Ten and his previous ability to cultivate competitive teams suggest he could bring consistent results to a program still striving for stability.
Michigan State
If Michigan State opts for a coaching change following a disappointing season, Fitzgerald would be an attractive option. His experience and defensive acumen could address the team’s recent struggles and help restore the program’s competitive edge.
In conclusion, as the coaching carousel gears up, Pat Fitzgerald’s experience and previous achievements make him a compelling candidate for several high-profile positions. With his past successes and proven adaptability in challenging environments, he is undoubtedly a coach to watch as programs seek to build toward future successes.
