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Michigan State Eyes Pat Fitzgerald as New Football Coach Amid Controversy

Source: Michigan State plans to hire Pat Fitzgerald as next football coach (2025-11-30)

Michigan State University is poised to hire Pat Fitzgerald as its next head football coach, following the recent firing of Jonathan Smith after two seasons. This move marks Fitzgerald’s return to coaching after a tumultuous departure from Northwestern, where he served as head coach for 17 seasons. Fitzgerald, a Midlothian, Illinois native and former Northwestern All-American linebacker, boasts a distinguished coaching record, including a Big Ten West division title in 2018 and a second in 2020, along with national recognition such as the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award. As of late November 2025, the contract negotiations are ongoing, with no official signing announced. Fitzgerald’s career is notable not only for his on-field achievements but also for his resilience in the face of controversy. His tenure at Northwestern ended abruptly in July 2023 when the university dismissed him amid a hazing scandal involving forced participation, nudity, and sexualized acts of a degrading nature. Northwestern cited a “hostile environment” and “failure to uphold institutional values” as reasons for his termination, which led Fitzgerald to file a wrongful termination lawsuit seeking $130 million, citing an $68 million owed from his contract through 2031. Despite the scandal, Fitzgerald remains a highly regarded figure in college football, known for his defensive prowess and leadership qualities. Recent developments in college football highlight the shifting landscape of coaching hires, with several programs prioritizing experience and resilience amid ongoing challenges. Michigan State’s decision to consider Fitzgerald reflects a broader trend of institutions weighing past controversies against coaching acumen and potential for program revival. The university’s athletic department emphasizes a focus on rebuilding and fostering a positive team culture, with Fitzgerald’s hiring seen as a strategic move to leverage his proven track record in the Big Ten. In addition to Fitzgerald’s coaching credentials, recent facts include his extensive playing career at Northwestern, where he was a consensus All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 1995 and 1996. His coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, resilience, and strategic defense, which could be instrumental in Michigan State’s efforts to regain competitiveness in the Big Ten Conference. The university also faces the challenge of addressing the lingering effects of the hazing scandal, implementing new policies to ensure player safety and uphold institutional integrity. Furthermore, the broader college football landscape is witnessing increased scrutiny of coaching hires, especially those involving figures with controversial pasts. The NCAA and university administrations are now more vigilant about transparency, compliance, and the importance of fostering inclusive, safe environments for student-athletes. Michigan State’s potential hiring of Fitzgerald will likely involve rigorous oversight and commitments to reform, aiming to balance his coaching expertise with the need for a positive, ethical team culture. As the college football season progresses, Michigan State’s decision will be closely watched by fans, alumni, and sports analysts alike. The move signifies a complex intersection of athletic excellence, legal battles, and institutional values. Fitzgerald’s return to coaching could serve as a case study in resilience and redemption, provided he and the university can navigate the ongoing challenges responsibly. The upcoming weeks will reveal whether Michigan State’s gamble on Fitzgerald will pay off in terms of on-field success and institutional integrity, setting a precedent for future coaching hires in the evolving landscape of college sports.

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