Northwestern University Fires Head Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald Following Investigation into Hazing Allegations

Northwestern University has fired its head football coach, Pat Fitzgerald, following an investigation into allegations of hazing among members of the team. The school’s president, Michael Schill, announced the decision on Monday, citing Fitzgerald’s “failure to know and prevent significant hazing in the football program.”

The investigation into the hazing allegations began roughly six months ago, and the results of the investigation have remained confidential. The president noted that the hazing was “widespread and clearly not a secret within the program,” providing Fitzgerald with the opportunity to learn what was happening.

Fitzgerald had initially been suspended for two weeks without pay, but Schill said he reevaluated that decision in light of the findings of the investigation. He noted that the head coach is ultimately responsible for the culture of his team.

The firing of Fitzgerald has raised questions about Northwestern’s handling of the situation, and the university’s reputation has been damaged by its response to the allegations. The school is now searching for a new head coach to lead the football program.