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Former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald said he feels “100 percent vindicated” after an August settlement of his $130 million wrongful-termination lawsuit, and he’s actively pursuing a return to college coaching. In his first public comments since his July 2023 firing, he told ESPN he’s been well received by schools. Northwestern’s post-settlement statement said inappropriate conduct occurred in the program but found no evidence players reported hazing to Fitzgerald or that he condoned it. Fitzgerald, who regretted not being allowed to hold implicated players accountable, said he loves Northwestern and is ready to move on.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.