Lawsuit Resolution: Fitz and Northwestern University Settle Dispute over Wrongful Dismissal Claim

Former Northwestern Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald Settles Lawsuit Against University

In a significant development, former Northwestern football head coach Pat Fitzgerald has reached a settlement in his wrongful termination lawsuit against the university. The terms of the settlement, as well as the financial considerations, have not been disclosed.

The lawsuit, which was ongoing for several years, was initiated by Fitzgerald after his dismissal from the university in 2018, amid a hazing scandal. The university fired Fitzgerald for cause four days after the initial controversy, with reportedly $68 million left on his contract.

The university has acknowledged "highly inappropriate conduct" within the Wildcats football program and reiterated its commitment to student safety. However, it noted that the evidence uncovered during the litigation did not establish that any player reported hazing to Coach Fitzgerald or that he condoned or directed any hazing.

Fitzgerald maintains that the media reports suggesting he knew about and directed hazing are false. He also maintains that he was falsely portrayed as having ignored inappropriate and abusive behavior within the team. Despite this, he agreed to the settlement to relieve his family from the stress of ongoing litigation.

Fitzgerald's son, Ryan, was a star quarterback at Loyola Academy. Unfortunately, Ryan was unable to play for his father in college as he committed to Big Ten rival Iowa to play football. After his dismissal from Northwestern, Fitzgerald took on a volunteer coaching role at Loyola Academy, a private high school.

Following Fitzgerald's departure, David Braun replaced him as head coach of Northwestern football. If Fitzgerald returns to college sidelines, he will face a dramatically transformed landscape.

It is worth noting that Northwestern has grown accustomed to deploying retroactive financial remedies to smooth over athletic department controversies. The school paid a seven-figure buyout to former athletic director Mike Polisky, who resigned after being named a co-defendant in a lawsuit.

With the settlement, Fitzgerald's agent stated that he is eager to resume his coaching career. It remains to be seen where Fitzgerald will land next, but one thing is certain: he will bring with him a wealth of experience and a passion for the game that has been evident throughout his career.

Lawsuit Resolution: Fitz and Northwestern University Settle Dispute over Wrongful Dismissal Claim