Statement on settlement with Coach Pat Fitzgerald
Today, Northwestern University and former Head Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald settled the lawsuit Coach Fitzgerald filed regarding his July 2023 dismissal.
The parties are not disclosing the specific terms of the settlement.
Northwestern’s number one priority is the health and safety of all members of its community, including our student athletes. The University has taken action to ensure hazing will not occur again, including new training and additional steps for feedback and reporting.
While the litigation brought to light highly inappropriate conduct in the football program and the harm it caused, the evidence uncovered during extensive discovery did not establish that any player reported hazing to Coach Fitzgerald or that Coach Fitzgerald condoned or directed any hazing. Moreover, when presented with the details of the conduct, he was incredibly upset and saddened by the negative impact this conduct had on players within the program.
Northwestern appreciates Coach Fitzgerald’s 26 years as a Northwestern player and coach. Northwestern is proud of Coach Fitzgerald's team's success on the field as well as its success in the classroom.
Northwestern football had the highest graduation rate of any Division 1 football program from 2016-2022.
Northwestern wishes Coach Fitzgerald the best in resuming his football career.