Controversial Coach, Illinois Native Tapped for New College Football Job

A controversial college football coach, who left Northwestern in ignominy after a hazing scandal was brought to light, is reportedly being tapped by one of the school's Big Ten rival as their head coach.

Per ESPN's Pete Thamel, always a reliable name in the college football reporting sphere, Pat Fitzgerald is emerging as the next head coach of the Michigan State Spartans. Both sides are working towards a deal, which "is expected to be finalized in the near future."

READ MORE: Illinois Native, Former Hawkeye Gets Giant NFL Promotion

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Fitzgerald's Hiring Prompts Optimism, Concern:

Pat Fitzgerald's anticipated hiring comes after Michigan State fired Jonathan Smith, who was hired two years ago. Smith's brief tenure was marred by a team not at all ready to win and in the midst of a rebuild, which is always challenging in the college football landscape. Smith left Michigan State with a 9-15 record.

Fitzgerald's tenure at Northwestern came to an abrupt end in 2023 when several former football players began filing lawsuits alleging sexual abuse and racial discrimination on the team. Allegations of intense hazing were levied. In the midst of denying wrongdoing, as players singled out Fitzgerald for being aware and, in some cases, encouraging the hazing, Fitzgerald sued Northwestern for $130 million. He alleged Northwestern illegally terminated his employment and damaged his reputation. His case was set to go to trial until it was settled in August.

Fitzgerald's Accomplished a Lot at Northwestern:

A Midlothian, IL native, Northwestern graduate, and former linebacker, Fitzgerald went 110-101 in 17 seasons as football team's head coach. He led the Wildcats to two Big Ten West championships (2018, 2020), and five bowl victories. His final two seasons were rough, however; Fitzgerald's combined record during that time was 4-20.

Michigan State, on the other hand, could tell you a thing or two about multiple flailing years. They lost eight of their last nine games to finish 4-8 this season under Smith. Smith is due more than $30 million as part of a buyout for his seven-year contract.

The program has struggled mightily for much of the decade. The school isn't unfamiliar with controversial coaches either. Spartans coach Mel Tucker led the team to an 11-2 record in 2021, and received a 10-year, $95 million contract. However, Tucker was fired during the 2023 season after a sexual misconduct complaint.

Read more about Midlothian, IL native Pat Fitzgerald reportedly accepting the Michigan State football head coaching job on ESPN's website.