Scandal-Ridden Fitzgerald Emerges as Surprise Candidate for Penn State

As of November 18th, 2025, the Penn State Nittany Lions are in the midst of a long-term search to replace their former head coach, James Franklin. One surprising candidate that has emerged is Pat Fitzgerald, the veteran coach who was recently dismissed from his role at Northwestern due to a hazing scandal within the football program.

Fitzgerald, who led the Wildcats to two Big Ten title game appearances during his tenure, claims he is "fully vindicated" following the conclusion of the investigation and subsequent settlement. He maintains that he did the right things, both athletically and administratively, to prevent any wrongdoing.

According to industry sources, there is genuine interest from Penn State Athletic Director Pat Kraft in bringing Fitzgerald on board. Despite Fitzgerald's struggles in his final seasons at Northwestern, where the team went just 1-11, there is a belief that he has a proven track record of "doing more with less" and could be the right fit to lead the Nittany Lions' rebuild.

However, Fitzgerald's recent history of poor performance and the lingering questions surrounding the hazing scandal may give some Penn State decision-makers pause. As the university weighs its options, a new era of Nittany Lions football is on the horizon, and it remains to be seen whether Fitzgerald will be the one to lead the charge.