According to Adam Schefter, Northwestern HC Pat Fitzgerald is expected to be a hot coaching commodity this year with a number of NFL teams hoping to lure him from his self-proclaimed dream job.
Fitzgerald has been something of a white whale in NFL circles, as Schefter says nine teams have requested interviews in the past five years.
But what has given some NFL teams hope of luring Fitzgerald to the pros this year is the departure of Northwestern athletic director Jim Phillips, who worked with Fitzgerald for the past 12 years.
Schefter reports two teams have already inquired about Fitzgerald’s availability following Northwestern’s loss in the Big 10 title game Saturday and some formal interview requests are expected.
The Bears reportedly have Fitzgerald on the top of their wish list if they have a vacancy this year. He previously turned down a chance to interview for the Packers vacancy in 2019 and Schefter adds he was in contention for the Panthers vacancy this past year.
Fitzgerald, 46, was hired as a defensive backs coach for Northwestern back in 2001 and he eventually worked his way up to head coach in 2006.
During his 13 years as the Wildcats’ head coach, Fitzgerald has led the team to a record of 104-80 (56.5 percent), which includes eight bowl game appearances.
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