Does Fitz recruit from NU?

[PURPLEBookCat]

I actually wouldn’t blame him after what he’s been through, and intentionally avoided the words “poach” or “steal,” because I think frankly he deserves to come back after the coaches he developed and players he recruited.

If I am Fitz, my top target would be to recruit McGarigle as MSU’s DC. The MSU chatter (and my parents are MSU boosters so I hear a lot of it) is to bring back Bullock, who is currently the LB coach at Notre Dame. The MSU connection is enticing, but a double edged sword. But McGarigle is awesome, and now proven. I would go after him first if I were Fitz.

I probably would be targeting a few players he recruited to NU with MSU NIL $$$, which I understand to have been building for some time with a late major push by major donors.

 

[corbi296]

I actually wouldn’t blame him after what he’s been through, and intentionally avoided the words “poach” or “steal,” because I think frankly he deserves to come back after the coaches he developed and players he recruited.

If I am Fitz, my top target would be to recruit McGarigle as MSU’s DC. The MSU chatter (and my parents are MSU boosters so I hear a lot of it) is to bring back Bullock, who is currently the LB coach at Notre Dame. The MSU connection is enticing, but a double edged sword. But McGarigle is awesome, and now proven. I would go after him first if I were Fitz.

I probably would be targeting a few players he recruited to NU with MSU NIL $$$, which I understand to have been building for some time with a late major push by major donors.

If NU has any smart people left in the decision making hierarchy, one of the must haves I would have included in the settlement agreement with Fitz is a non solicitation clause. Certainly as it relates to coaches and staff but maybe a creative lawyer could have crafted something that extended to players as well. Any lawyers on the board who can speak to the likelihood of something like this having been included in the contract?

 

[hdhntr1]

If NU has any smart people left in the decision making hierarchy, one of the must haves I would have included in the settlement agreement with Fitz is a non solicitation clause. Certainly as it relates to coaches and staff but maybe a creative lawyer could have crafted something that extended to players as well. Any lawyers on the board who can speak to the likelihood of something like this having been included in the contract?

Good luck with that

 

[corbi296]

Good luck with that

A non solicitation is not an unreasonable demand in this situation. Someone else mentioned salary offset language which I would have laughed at if I was Fitz but a non solicitation is non monetary and something that I think could realistically be part of the settlement.

 

[NU'06er]

A non solicitation is not an unreasonable demand in this situation. Someone else mentioned salary offset language which I would have laughed at if I was Fitz but a non solicitation is non monetary and something that I think could realistically be part of the settlement.

I just assumed what hdhntr1 was wishing you luck with was this

If NU has any smart people left in the decision making hierarchy

Which, after Polisky, and Gragg, and Schill (and plenty of others before them) makes it a bold assumption there was a "deep bench" there to begin with.

 

[katatonic2]

Poor Fitz - getting paid millions to go away despite absolving himself of any responsibility (funny, coming from a guy who repeatedly preached responsibility) for hazing (including allegedly that of a sexual nature) which happened under his watch.

I'll bet both parties settle with the players bc the last thing both Fitz and the university would want is for details to be played out in a courtroom.

 

[corbi296]

Poor Fitz - getting paid millions to go away despite absolving himself of any responsibility (funny, coming from a guy who repeatedly preached responsibility) for hazing (including allegedly that of a sexual nature) which happened under his watch.

I'll bet both parties settle with the players bc the last thing both Fitz and the university would want is for details to be played out in a courtroom.

You think Fitz is paying any of the players a dime? For what? Please don't make me laugh.

 

[katatonic2]

^ Um, for being the guy in charge when the (alleged) abuse happened?

But even if the players end up getting paid, wouldn't be surprised if Fitz doesn't end up ponying a dime, bc wouldn't be surprised if the incompetent administration ended up indemnifying Fitz in their settlement.

 

[corbi296]

^ Um, for being the guy in charge when the (alleged) abuse happened?

But even if the players end up getting paid, wouldn't be surprised if Fitz doesn't end up ponying a dime, bc wouldn't be surprised if the incompetent administration ended up indemnifying Fitz in their settlement.

Alleged is the operative word. Not to mention that NU acknowledged in their settlement that there is no evidence that Fitz had any knowledge of the alleged abuse. By the way, if there truly was "abuse" that warranted all of this in the first place, why have none of the actual abusers been sued and been held accountable by the University?

 

[katatonic2]

^ Don't think anyone is really disputing anymore that hazing when on during Fitz's watch, but when it comes to that of a sexual nature, we'll just have to wait and see (if it ever goes to court, which is doubtful).

But when there's that much smoke (multiple allegations), there's usually a fire.

Not having evidence is not the same as having proof that Fitz knew, and whether or not Fitz had knowledge (find it highly unlikely that Fitz didn't know something was going on), he's still ultimately responsible for something that happened (for years) under his watch.

Fitz had the arrogance to think that a few weeks of suspension during the off season was adequate punishment, especially coming from someone who repeatedly preached about responsibility and "family."

[Nope, we're not doing this. -Mod]

 

[Fanaticat98]

Fitz may be recruiting from Iowa -

 

[PURPLEBookCat]

uh, so yeah. anyone else think that Fitz will target McGarigle?

 

[hdhntr1]

I just assumed what hdhntr1 was wishing you luck with was this



Which, after Polisky, and Gragg, and Schill (and plenty of others before them) makes it a bold assumption there was a "deep bench" there to begin with.

There was a deep bench and it was full of pathetic guys just like the ones that are now gone

 

[Fanaticat98]

uh, so yeah. anyone else think that Fitz will target McGarigle?

Strong chance. He probably would like at least one guy he knows and has worked with (which is limited to NU guys). McGarigle was also under him before so he could have some control over the D. Or who knows, maybe the way the Giants season is turning out, Kafka will be looking for work and would try out a college OC job for a few years.

 

[NU'06er]

uh, so yeah. anyone else think that Fitz will target McGarigle?

McGarigle is also the last staffer with any link to the hazing allegations, as far as I'm aware. Which is not to say anything against him specifically was substantiated, but if you're of the belief that more heads should have rolled than just Fitz, you should welcome Fitz poaching him...

 

[WestCoastWildcat]

McGarigle is also the last staffer with any link to the hazing allegations, as far as I'm aware. Which is not to say anything against him specifically was substantiated, but if you're of the belief that more heads should have rolled than just Fitz, you should welcome Fitz poaching him...

Losing McGarigle to MSU would be a big enough blow but the guy I’m really afraid of losing is our DB/ Asst HC Harlon Barnett because of his history and connections to MSU. He played and coached there. If McGarigle were to leave for MSU maybe we’d make Coach Barnett the DC.

Coach Harlon Barnett bio:

Harlon Barnett - Assistant Head Coach (Safeties) - Football Coaches - Northwestern Athletics

A 15-plus year veteran of the Big Ten Conference, Harlon Barnett enters his second season as Northwestern's Assistant Head Coach/Safeties Coach in 2025. The ...

nusports.com

 

[Fanaticat98]

Losing McGarigle to MSU would be a big enough blow but the guy I’m really afraid of losing is our DB/ Asst HC Harlon Barnett because of his history and connections to MSU. He played and coached there. If McGarigle were to leave for MSU maybe we’d make Coach Barnett the DC.

Coach Harlon Barnett bio:

Harlon Barnett - Assistant Head Coach (Safeties) - Football Coaches - Northwestern Athletics

A 15-plus year veteran of the Big Ten Conference, Harlon Barnett enters his second season as Northwestern's Assistant Head Coach/Safeties Coach in 2025. The ...

nusports.com

For sure. But I notice he’s spent quite a lot of time at MSU and been given many different titles “co” “assistant” “associate” head coach and was even interim HC a few years ago, but not promoted even to DC. Is he a Jerry Brown type, or did he feel he has done all he could at MSU?

 

[WestCoastWildcat]

I don’t know what the title of Assistant HC actually means other than he would step in for Braun if needed. My sense is Coach Barnett has elevated the play of our db’s but maybe those closer to the program can comment.

As an aside, while looking up the coach’s bio on the NU website, it struck me the number of coaches and staff now associated with the football program- total of close to 40: 19 with coaching titles and and 20 under staff designation. Pretty amazing. We even have a Nickles coach now.

Link to football staff on nusports.com site:

2025 Football Coaches - Northwestern Athletics

The official Football Coach List for the Northwestern Wildcats

nusports.com

Management of the sports programs also must have escalated the staffing needs across the board. Kellogg must have classes/specialties in the field.

 

[hdhntr1]

I don’t know what the title of Assistant HC actually means other than he would step in for Braun if needed. My sense is Coach Barnett has elevated the play of our db’s but maybe those closer to the program can comment.

As an aside, while looking up the coach’s bio on the NU website, it struck me the number of coaches and staff now associated with the football program- total of close to 40: 19 with coaching titles and and 20 under staff designation. Pretty amazing. We even have a Nickles coach now.

Link to football staff on nusports.com site:

2025 Football Coaches - Northwestern Athletics

The official Football Coach List for the Northwestern Wildcats

nusports.com

Management of the sports programs also must have escalated the staffing needs across the board. Kellogg must have classes/specialties in the field.

It is big business Ever look at the basketball team huddles? here seem to be more coach and staff guys than players

 

[WestCoastWildcat]

It is big business Ever look at the basketball team huddles? here seem to be more coach and staff guys than players

Just looked it up- it lists a dozen staff associated with men’s basketball. Staffing for college major sports appears to be a major growth industry but lots of crossover between athletics and fundraising. Fundraising is another growth area with all the campus research centers and divisions as well as athletics. I’ve been donating today to different organizations as part of Giving Tuesday.

NU men’s basketball coaches/staff link:

Men's Basketball Coaches - Northwestern Athletics

The official Men's Basketball Coach List for the Northwestern Wildcats

nusports.com

 

[AdamOnFirst]

I’ll go out and say I’m not that worried about losing McGarigle. He did a pretty good but not masterful job this year and his unit’s performance declined late. I’d rather not lose him now, but if we’re going to have success we’ll likely lose him eventually and Braun will have to make good hires on his side of the ball.

 

[corbi296]

McGarigle is also the last staffer with any link to the hazing allegations, as far as I'm aware. Which is not to say anything against him specifically was substantiated, but if you're of the belief that more heads should have rolled than just Fitz, you should welcome Fitz poaching him...

Fitz hired coach Smith. He'd be one I'd be worried about losing.

 

[eddie_gocats]

Didn’t Brus had a MSU offer? Worries he may take off if he has his degree.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Poor Fitz - getting paid millions to go away despite absolving himself of any responsibility (funny, coming from a guy who repeatedly preached responsibility) for hazing (including allegedly that of a sexual nature) which happened under his watch.

I'll bet both parties settle with the players bc the last thing both Fitz and the university would want is for details to be played out in a courtroom.

Sure you do. I would settle too when I got EVERYTHING I asked for. You call it a settlement, I call it a surrender.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

Fitz hired coach Smith. He'd be one I'd be worried about losing.

That’s a decent take. He’s not the first D Line coach to demonstrate success at NU, but he’s done a mighty fine job.

 

[Gatabowl]

Strong chance. He probably would like at least one guy he knows and has worked with (which is limited to NU guys). McGarigle was also under him before so he could have some control over the D. Or who knows, maybe the way the Giants season is turning out, Kafka will be looking for work and would try out a college OC job for a few years.

Going from interim NFL HC to OC at Michigan State would be the saddest career move ever.

 

[Fanaticat98]

Here’s a thought someone posted on Facebook. Fitz hires Hank out from retirement. I think Hank lives on the West Michigan lakeshore? Or at least he will have him come in as a consultant.

Addendum: Hank is 77, I didn’t realize he was that old! So maybe he’ll just drop by on Fitz once in a while.

 

[Gatabowl]

Here’s a thought someone posted on Facebook. Fitz hires Hank out from retirement. I think Hank lives on the West Michigan lakeshore? Or at least he will have him come in as a consultant.

Addendum: Hank is 77, I didn’t realize he was that old! So maybe he’ll just drop by on Fitz once in a while.

McCall is only 68!

 

[JustGary]

^ Don't think anyone is really disputing anymore that hazing when on during Fitz's watch, but when it comes to that of a sexual nature, we'll just have to wait and see (if it ever goes to court, which is doubtful).

But when there's that much smoke (multiple allegations), there's usually a fire.

Not having evidence is not the same as having proof that Fitz knew, and whether or not Fitz had knowledge (find it highly unlikely that Fitz didn't know something was going on), he's still ultimately responsible for something that happened (for years) under his watch.

Fitz had the arrogance to think that a few weeks of suspension during the off season was adequate punishment, especially coming from someone who repeatedly preached about responsibility and "family."

[Nope, we're not doing this. -Mod]

First off, it’s time to move on. The cases are settled. There is no pending case against Fitz. Not one player under oath told Fitz about hazing and it is the Athletic Department and not the coach who were supposed to handle these types of complaints. The only function the head coach had was to report to the university any allegations. Then those allegations are to be investigated by the University. That’s why Fitz won the lawsuit and the University had to release a statement that there was absolutely no evidence that anyone told Fitz or that Fitz knew. So, it is done. Fitz is gone, we are in the Braun era.

btw, Fitz is arrogant but not when it came to his suspension. It was the athletic department who handed down the suspension. He was told to keep quiet and let the AD take care of things. He was then fired without a hearing based on faulty information.

I know some people cannot get past their bias and we heard for ages about all the information that would come out about Fitz. It never materialized and instead the University made him a very rich man. You can hate the way he coached or his results especially his last two years, but trying to make him a demon just doesn’t feel right. The good news is getting a head coach job at a P4 level probably saved the University a bunch of money. I am sure there is a clause that he had to actively seek employment with settlement payments reduced if he finds future employment.

 

[zeek55]

I know some people cannot get past their bias and we heard for ages about all the information that would come out about Fitz. It never materialized and instead the University made him a very rich man. You can hate the way he coached or his results especially his last two years, but trying to make him a demon just doesn’t feel right. The good news is getting a head coach job at a P4 level probably saved the University a bunch of money. I am sure there is a clause that he had to actively seek employment with settlement payments reduced if he finds future employment.

Yeah at this point, it makes sense for everyone involved: the University statement exonerated him and enabled him to pursue a position like MSU, and in exchange there probably is a mitigating factor on the settlement since he's now getting a Big Ten HC salary again.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

First off, it’s time to move on. The cases are settled. There is no pending case against Fitz. Not one player under oath told Fitz about hazing and it is the Athletic Department and not the coach who were supposed to handle these types of complaints. The only function the head coach had was to report to the university any allegations. Then those allegations are to be investigated by the University. That’s why Fitz won the lawsuit and the University had to release a statement that there was absolutely no evidence that anyone told Fitz or that Fitz knew. So, it is done. Fitz is gone, we are in the Braun era.

btw, Fitz is arrogant but not when it came to his suspension. It was the athletic department who handed down the suspension. He was told to keep quiet and let the AD take care of things. He was then fired without a hearing based on faulty information.

I know some people cannot get past their bias and we heard for ages about all the information that would come out about Fitz. It never materialized and instead the University made him a very rich man. You can hate the way he coached or his results especially his last two years, but trying to make him a demon just doesn’t feel right. The good news is getting a head coach job at a P4 level probably saved the University a bunch of money. I am sure there is a clause that he had to actively seek employment with settlement payments reduced if he finds future employment.

Wait, the guy who sued the school about his horrible trauma but had an entire social media feed filled up with him returning to visit campus and praising Fitz endlessly didn’t win his case??!!

 

[NU'06er]

To be fair neither did the guy whose reputation was so tarnished he couldn't find "comparable employment" when suing Northwestern in July 2024 but was Utah's offensive coordinator 3 months later...

Former Northwestern OC Mike Bajakian sues school for defamation

Former Northwestern offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian is suing the school for defamation and spreading false information for its actions during the hazing scandal that rocked the program last summer.

www.espn.com

Utah's Andy Ludwig steps down; Mike Bajakian named interim OC

With Utah offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig stepping down, coach Kyle Whittingham announced Monday that senior offensive analyst Mike Bajakian will take over as interim OC for the remainder of the season.

www.espn.com

 

[AdamOnFirst]

To be fair neither did the guy whose reputation was so tarnished he couldn't find "comparable employment" when suing Northwestern in July 2024 but was Utah's offensive coordinator 3 months later...

Former Northwestern OC Mike Bajakian sues school for defamation

Former Northwestern offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian is suing the school for defamation and spreading false information for its actions during the hazing scandal that rocked the program last summer.

www.espn.com

Utah's Andy Ludwig steps down; Mike Bajakian named interim OC

With Utah offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig stepping down, coach Kyle Whittingham announced Monday that senior offensive analyst Mike Bajakian will take over as interim OC for the remainder of the season.

www.espn.com

And then quickly became the UMass OC!