Northwestern Reaches Landmark Settlement With Ex-Coach Pat Fitzgerald Amid Explosive Hazing Scandal

The high-profile case closes a painful chapter for the university while raising urgent questions about accountability in college sports

Natalie C. Frank, Ph.D August 21, 2025

Northwestern Football Stadium; Boston Public Library [CC BY 2.0]

EVANSTON, IL — Northwestern University has reached a settlement with former head football coach Pat Fitzgerald. This ends a two-year legal battle that began after his dismissal during a hazing scandal that disrupted the school’s athletic program.

Fitzgerald, who led the Wildcats for nearly two decades, filed a $130 million lawsuit against the university in 2023 after being fired in the midst of multiple hazing allegations. On Thursday, both Fitzgerald and the university confirmed the settlement, though financial terms remain confidential.

“Though I maintain Northwestern had no legal basis to terminate my employment for cause under the terms of my Employment Agreement, in the interest of resolving this matter and, in particular, to relieve my family from the stress of ongoing litigation, Northwestern and I have agreed to a settlement," Fitzgerald said in a statement released through his attorneys.

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