Less than five years ago, Pat Fitzgerald was regarded as a top 10 coach in college football’s power conferences, standing out above notable coaches like Jim Harbaugh, Kyle Whittingham, and James Franklin in the 2021 CBS Sports Coach Rankings. Today, after a three-year break from coaching due to his departure from Northwestern amid hazing allegations, he is now seeking to re-enter the college football coaching realm, particularly during this year’s coaching carousel.

Fitzgerald’s exit from Northwestern was marked by an August settlement in a wrongful termination lawsuit, allowing him to pursue coaching opportunities again. Currently, eight Power Four positions are available—nine if you consider Stanford—indicating a potential surge of hires.

In a recent podcast appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay, Fitzgerald asserted he feels ‘100 percent vindicated’ and mentioned that the feedback on his candidacy has been positive within the industry.

Current Openings

1. Stanford
   Fitzgerald spent 17 seasons at Northwestern and is familiar with maintaining competitive teams within high academic standards. The Cardinal are currently struggling under interim coach Frank Reich, making Fitzgerald a strong candidate if a full-time coach is sought.

2. UCLA
   With recent budget constraints and questions regarding their stadium situation, Fitzgerald’s experience in challenging environments could be beneficial for a program looking to improve.

3. Penn State
   Having reached ten wins during his tenure at Northwestern, Fitzgerald could thrive at a school with a rich football tradition like Penn State, though his hiring would have to navigate sensitivities due to the university’s past controversies.

4. Arkansas
   Currently pursuing James Franklin, the Razorbacks may consider Fitzgerald as a viable backup choice for head coach.

Potential Openings

1. Maryland
   After a rocky start to the season, Maryland might seek a change from current coach Mike Locksley, making Fitzgerald’s background in the Big Ten an attractive choice.

2. Michigan State
   If they choose to part ways with Jonathan Smith, Fitzgerald’s history of molding teams defensively could serve as a much-needed pivot for the Spartans amidst their recent struggles.

With numerous opportunities surfacing, Fitzgerald’s return to coaching seems imminent as he looks to prove his capabilities once more.