Northwestern University Fires Head Baseball Coach Amid Allegations of Bullying and Abusive Behavior
Northwestern University has announced that it has fired head baseball coach Jim Foster following allegations of bullying and abusive behavior. The firing comes after an investigation by the school’s human resources department, which found “sufficient evidence” that Foster created a toxic environment within the program.
According to a report by the Chicago Tribune, the investigation discovered that Foster had made inappropriate comments about a female staff member and spoke negatively about his staff to other members. These findings were shared with leaders within Northwestern’s Department of Athletics and Recreation for further action.
It is unclear if any punishment was handed down to Foster as he coached the team this year. CNN has reached out to the school and the baseball program for comment on the situation.
In a statement, Northwestern’s athletic director Derrick Gragg said, “Nothing will ever be more important to Northwestern than providing its students a place that allows them to develop in the classroom, in the community, and in competition at the absolute highest level, and building a culture which allows our staff to thrive.”
Gragg also mentioned that the decision to fire Foster was the result of an ongoing situation and that many factors were considered before reaching this resolution. As the Director of Athletics, Gragg takes ownership of the head coaching hires and will share the next steps as they unfold.
Foster joined Northwestern University as the head baseball coach just this past year, leading the team to a 10-40 record. Before that, he coached Army from 2017 to 2022, where he helped lead the Black Knights to four Patriot League titles.
Assistant coach Brian Anderson has been named the new head coach of the Wildcats as Foster’s replacement.
This firing comes shortly after Northwestern University also fired longtime head football coach Pat Fitzgerald following allegations of hazing within the Wildcats football program. The school seems to be taking decisive action in response to any allegations of misconduct within its athletic programs.