Title: Northwestern appoints David Braun as interim head coach following hazing allegations under Pat Fitzgerald
Date: July 13, 2023
Northwestern University has named David Braun as the interim head coach for the 2023 season, following the firing of former coach Pat Fitzgerald amid allegations of widespread hazing within the football program. The decision was announced by sources close to the university, who spoke to ESPN.
Braun, who served as Northwestern’s defensive coordinator, will now assume the role of interim head coach in the aftermath of these serious allegations. The hazing scandal has rocked the university, leading to widespread criticism and ultimately resulting in Fitzgerald’s dismissal.
Interestingly, Braun joined Northwestern as the defensive coordinator in January, well after the hazing investigation had begun. Prior to his arrival, he enjoyed great success at North Dakota State, where he was named FCS Coordinator of the Year in 2021 while working with national championship-winning staffs.
However, Braun now faces the immediate task of preserving the Northwestern football roster. Many players and their parents are reportedly upset with the handling of Fitzgerald’s departure, and they still have nearly four weeks to transfer to other schools without facing consequences.
During a team meeting earlier this week, Northwestern players expressed their concerns to university president Michael Schill and athletic director Derrick Gragg, emphasizing the need for clarity on the program’s future and continuity within the coaching staff.
Braun, who has been effectively operating as the team’s head coach since Fitzgerald’s termination on Monday, fulfills the players’ request for someone who can provide direction and stability moving forward.
It is worth noting that Braun joined Northwestern following a disappointing 1-11 season in 2022, during which defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil was also fired as part of a comprehensive staff shake-up.
This upcoming season will mark Braun’s debut in FBS football, although he has amassed considerable experience at various colleges and universities, including NDSU, Northern Iowa, UC Davis, Winona State, and Culver-Stockton.
The Northwestern community eagerly awaits the forthcoming developments under Braun’s leadership, as the university aims to address the hazing allegations, rebuild its tarnished reputation, and ensure a safe and positive environment for all student-athletes moving forward.