Pat Fitzgerald has landed his first "job" since his stunning and controversial firing at Northwestern last month.
According to the North Shore Record, Fitzgerald will be a volunteer assistant at Loyola Academy, the preparatory school in the Chicago suburb of Wilmette. The Fitzgeralds have three sons; the oldest, Jack, is a freshman tight end still on Northwestern's roster, while Ryan and Brenden play for the Ramblers.
Of course, "volunteer assistant" has many connotations. Most likely, the 17-year Big Ten head coach's involvement will not amount to more than holding a blocking shield in practice.
“Supporting (head coach Beau Desherow) are many assistant coaches as well as parent volunteers, who provide an invaluable service to all of our athletic teams — indeed, our entire Loyola community — assisting with gameday management, logistics, offering fresh insight, etc. Among other volunteers, current parent Pat Fitzgerald (parent of a 2023, ’25 and ’27 graduate) will serve as a volunteer for the football program.”
The school noted to the paper that Fitzgerald passed a background check, underwent training and signed a code of conduct in order to take the position.
Fitzgerald is named in at least two lawsuits as a result of an investigation into hazing allegations within the football program. Through his lawyers, Fitzgerald has denied any wrongdoing. "Coach Fitzgerald had no knowledge of any form of hazing within the Northwestern football program," attorney Dan Webb said.
Loyola is the defending Class 8A champion of the Illinois High School Association, the state's top classification. Fitzgerald and the Ramblers open their title defense in Grand Rapids, Mich., against Catholic Central on Aug. 26.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.