Pat Fitzgerald's Northwestern Football Career: A Timeline

Northwestern fires Pat Fitzgerald after 17 seasons as head coach.

Pat Fitzgerald's tenure at Northwestern University spanned an impressive 26 football seasons, showcasing his dedication and commitment to the program. His journey began in 1993 when he joined the Northwestern football program after graduating from Sandburg High School in Orland Park. Even in his early years, Fitzgerald displayed immense potential as a linebacker, earning recognition as a Tribune All-State linebacker.

In 1995, Fitzgerald's talent and hard work paid off as he received the prestigious Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award, solidifying his status as the national defensive player of the year. His remarkable achievements didn't stop there, as he was also named first-team All-America and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. That year, Northwestern experienced tremendous success, winning the Big Ten and achieving their first winning season since 1971. Unfortunately, Fitzgerald suffered a broken leg before the Rose Bowl, preventing him from playing in the game.

The following year, Fitzgerald continued to excel, earning the Nagurski and Bednarik awards for the second consecutive year. He also received the Jack Lambert Trophy as the nation's top linebacker and the Big Ten Medal of Honor. Northwestern shared the Big Ten title and competed in the Citrus Bowl against Tennessee. Despite not being selected in the NFL draft, Fitzgerald signed as a free agent with the Dallas Cowboys but was released after two preseason games.

In 2001, Fitzgerald returned to Northwestern as the defensive backs coach, marking the beginning of his coaching career. After a tragic event, the death of Randy Walker, Fitzgerald assumed the role of head coach on July 7, 2006. At the age of 31, he became the youngest FBS head coach, stepping into a significant leadership position.

Fitzgerald's impact as head coach was undeniable. On January 1, 2013, he achieved a significant milestone, securing victory over Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl. This win not only made him the winningest coach in Northwestern football history but also marked the school's first bowl victory since 1949. Recognizing his exceptional leadership, the university rewarded Fitzgerald with a 10-year contract extension through the 2026 season in April 2017.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Fitzgerald and his team persevered in the 2020 season. Northwestern emerged victorious in the Citrus Bowl against Auburn, concluding the season with a remarkable No. 10 ranking in the final Associated Press poll. Fitzgerald's coaching prowess was further acknowledged when he reached his 100th career victory in October and was subsequently honored as the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year.

In January 2021, Fitzgerald solidified his commitment to Northwestern by signing a new 10-year contract extension, ensuring his presence until 2030. However, on July 10, 2023, the university made the difficult decision to terminate Fitzgerald's position as head coach due to a hazing scandal. This marked the end of his 17-season tenure, during which he achieved an overall record of 110-101 and a conference record of 65-76 in the Big Ten.

Pat Fitzgerald's journey at Northwestern University encompassed a remarkable playing and coaching career, leaving an indelible mark on the program's history. From his standout performances as a linebacker to his transformative leadership as head coach, Fitzgerald's contributions will be remembered for years to come.