Pat Fitzgerald is poised for a coaching comeback in college football after settling his $130 million wrongful termination lawsuit with Northwestern University. The former Wildcats head coach, who had been sidelined for nearly two years following his controversial firing amid hazing allegations, is actively seeking a return to the sidelines for the 2026 season and beyond.
After 17 seasons leading Northwestern’s football program, Fitzgerald was fired in July 2023 amid an investigation into hazing within the team. He had always maintained that he neither condoned nor had knowledge of the hazing incidents. The dispute escalated into a high-profile lawsuit, which Fitzgerald settled in August 2025, clearing his name and allowing him to refocus on coaching.
During the period away from college football, Fitzgerald stayed involved with the sport by volunteering as a high school coach for his son’s team near Chicago and also assisted with the Iowa Hawkeyes, where his son Ryan plays as a walk-on quarterback. Fitzgerald’s involvement with Iowa has fueled speculation that the program could be a natural landing spot if he does not immediately secure a head coaching role elsewhere.
ESPN insider Pete Thamel highlighted that Fitzgerald’s agent confirmed his eagerness to get back on the job, and the coach has already laid groundwork with various coaching search firms. This proactive approach, combined with the faster-moving coaching carousel in the era of transfer portals, positions Fitzgerald well to be a prime candidate for openings in the near future.
Fitzgerald’s college coaching record is impressive, featuring five AP Top 25 finishes, three 10-win seasons, and a program noted for academic success with a 100% graduation rate under his leadership. Despite the cloud over his departure, his legacy as Northwestern’s all-time winningest coach and the stability he brought to the program has endured.
While it remains unclear whether Fitzgerald will resume as a head coach immediately or take on a supporting role first, his passion and readiness to return are evident. His case underscores a remarkable journey from abrupt dismissal and legal battle to vindication and renewed ambition. The college football community awaits the next chapter of Pat Fitzgerald’s storied coaching career, hopeful that he will soon return to influence the game from the sidelines once again.
This return will be closely watched, given Fitzgerald’s impact on Northwestern and the broader Big Ten landscape, and the sense that his coaching expertise and leadership remain highly valued in collegiate football circles.