Northwestern launches two external reviews following scandal, will release findings

In light of two head coach firings in a week, Northwestern president Michael Schill is taking action. He announced two external reviews on Tuesday in a letter to Northwestern faculty and staff.

One review will look into how the athletic department detects threats and assesses accountability, and the other one will look into the culture of the athletic department. In addition, the university will make both reviews public upon completion.

“I write to you today to give you my commitment that I will continue to do whatever is necessary to address this situation and ensure that our athletic program remains one you can be proud of and one that is fully aligned with and reflects our values,” Schill wrote. “Equally important, I give you my commitment that we will redouble our efforts to safeguard the welfare of each and every student-athlete at Northwestern.

“Shortly after learning the results of the independent investigation, Combe Family Vice President for Athletics & Recreation Derrick Gragg and I announced a series of steps including the monitoring of the football locker room, anti-hazing training and the establishment of an online reporting tool for complaints. These steps, while necessary and appropriate, are just the start, and we will be augmenting them in the coming weeks in close consultation with faculty, trustees and other University constituents.”

Northwestern fired longtime head football coach Pat Fitzgerald last week in wake of hazing allegations within the program and the day that broke, a report from 670 The Score in Chicago detailed an alleged toxic environment within the baseball program under Jim Foster. Foster was fired later in the week.

Neither Schill nor Gragg have spoken publicly about the situations, only communicating via emails and press releases.

After Fitzgerald’s firing, Northwestern promoted defensive coordinator David Braun to interim head coach for the 2023 season. He is set to take the podium at Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis on July 26.

Some former Northwestern players have hired legal representation and the first lawsuit was filed Tuesday. The wide-ranging suit names multiple figures at Northwestern, including Fitzgerald, Gragg and Schill as defendants. An anonymous former player filed the lawsuit.

Fitzgerald also brought in a high-profile lawyer after Northwestern fired him for cause. He claimed Schill went back on an agreement that originally said Fitzgerald would serve a two-week suspension, and On3’s Andy Staples reported he had $42 million left on his contract.

Fitzgerald served as the head coach at his alma mater for 17 years after putting together a star-studded career as a linebacker in Evanston. He left as the winningest coach in program history with a 110-101 career record.