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Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern Reach Confidential Settlement in Firing Dispute

The agreement ends his $130 million lawsuit following discovery that found no evidence players reported hazing to him or that he directed it.

American Football - NCAA - College Football Series - Northwestern Wildcats v Nebraska Cornhuskers - Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland - August 27, 2022 Northwestern Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald celebrates after the match REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne/ File Photo
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium before the Big Ten championship game against Ohio State on Nov. 28, 2018, in Indianapolis. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • Both sides announced the resolution on Thursday, with terms undisclosed and Fitzgerald saying he is satisfied with the outcome.
  • Northwestern said extensive discovery revealed highly inappropriate conduct in the football program but did not establish Fitzgerald condoned or directed hazing.
  • Fitzgerald maintained he never knew of hazing, expressed disappointment it occurred, and signaled he is eager to resume coaching, according to his agent.
  • The settlement comes months after Northwestern resolved suits with groups of former athletes who alleged hazing and related abuses across the program.
  • Fitzgerald was fired on July 10, 2023 after an investigation and player accounts of degrading hazing, and his case had been set for trial in November.