Northwestern has spoken with multiple former coaches, including David Wannstedt, who previously coached in the NFL and at Pittsburgh, about a special assistant role with the program in 2023, according to ESPN. The university is reportedly looking for an experienced individual to support interim coach David Braun. Braun took over after Northwestern fired longtime coach Pat Fitzgerald following allegations of hazing.
During an interview with a Chicago-area radio station, Wannstedt confirmed that he met with Northwestern AD Darrick Gragg to discuss the role. However, Wannstedt decided not to pursue the position due to the unclear job description. “What would this person’s role be? Bringing someone in who would be present every day, in the press box, and involved in playcalling could potentially alienate the players,” Wannstedt explained. “The players should be playing for their head coach, and the coaches should know that they are working with the head coach as a team.”
Wannstedt revealed that Northwestern also approached veteran coach Skip Holtz, who declined the position.
Pat Fitzgerald had been coaching the Wildcats since 2006, but he was fired by Northwestern on July 11. Fitzgerald and Northwestern are facing lawsuits that accuse Fitzgerald of allowing hazing and racial discrimination to occur under his watch.
