Would this Wildcard Head Coach Candidate fit at Penn State Football?
Wednesday, FootballScoop tweeted that former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald has been loosely tied to the Penn State job.
NittanyCentral can confirm that Pat Fitzgerald’s name has been considered by Penn State as part of Pat Kraft’s expansive head coaching search.
Fitzgerald’s tenure at Northwestern came to an end in July of 2023, following hazing allegations within the Northwestern football program.
However, Fitzgerald did sue Northwestern for wrongful termination, and the two parties did come to a settlement.
Northwestern stated that there was no evidence that Fitzgerald had any knowledge of the hazing taking place.
How Would Fitzgerald do at Penn State?
During Fitzgerald’s 17 years of coaching the Wildcats, he held a 110-101 record. Fitzgerald’s most successful season came in 2020 when they went 7-2 and won the Citrus Bowl. He also had 2 other seasons in which he won 10 games at Northwestern.
Pat Fitzgerald is a good coach. Additionally, he will likely get another shot to coach major college football. However, his next stop should not be Penn State.
Adimttedly, Fitzgerald’s time at Northwestern is impressive.
Especially considering the pedigree and resources of Northwestern. But, he isn’t the coach to lead Penn State to the promised land.
Pat Fitzgerald is 50. 50 certainly isn’t old, but it isn’t up and coming either. But age aside, his 110-101 record over 17 years at Northwestern isn’t anything elite. It’s respectable, but not elite.
Penn State needs elite.
Buy The Newest Penn State Gear From Fanatics | Shop Penn State Merchandise on Amazon
Another concerning sign over Fitzgerald’s tenure is that he has rarely strung more than a year or two of good football together.
Oftentimes his seasons went from a a solid 8-10 wins, down to 3-5 wins they very next year. That is not something Penn State wants.
While Fitzgerald would certainly fare better from a record standpoint at Penn State, he is not the guy to lead Penn State to a national title.
Loved this story? Get all our Penn State football coverage and insider updates first. Join our FREE newsletter — your front-row seat to the Lions.
A note to our readers; If you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may receive a commission
Purdy was born and raised in central Ohio and served for four years writing for his high school's newsletter. Currently studying Biblical Studies at Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania, Ian has been a lifelong Nittany Lion fan.
- Would this Wildcard Head Coach Candidate fit at Penn State Football? - October 30, 2025
- Inside the Recruiting Fallout After James Franklin’s Firing: 5 Recruits Penn State’s New Coach Can’t Afford to Lose - October 29, 2025
- Inside Penn State’s Recruiting Meltdown After James Franklin’s Firing (Part 1) - October 28, 2025