Pat Fitzgerald

Pat Fitzgerald carved an impressive path through the world of college football, both as a player and a coach. Fitzgerald served as a linebacker for Northwestern University from 1993 to 1996, leading the team to significant victories and earning considerable personal accolades. During his tenure, he won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Chuck Bednarik Award twice each, and was a two-time Consensus All-American. In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Fitzgerald was named the Big Ten Conference Football Defensive Player of the Year in 1995 and 1996, and was a consensus selection for the 1995 and 1996 College Football All-America Team.

Transitioning from player to coach, Fitzgerald continued his success. He served as Northwestern's head coach from 2006 until 2023, becoming the winningest coach in Northwestern history. He surpassed Pappy Waldorf with his 50th win during the 2012 Gator Bowl and led Northwestern to ten bowl games, including three consecutive bowl wins from 2016 to 2018. His overall win record at Northwestern was 109, with 64 of those wins in the Big Ten Conference. Fitzgerald was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year by the Touchdown Club of Columbus after the 2008 season and was honored with the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award in 2020. His significant contributions to college football were recognized in 2008 when he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. In 2025, Fitzgerald was hired by Michigan State University as its head football coach.