Northwestern University has reached a confidential settlement with former head football coach Pat Fitzgerald, bringing an end to the $130 million wrongful-termination lawsuit he filed after the school dismissed him in July 2023. The agreement was announced Thursday, less than three months before a trial was scheduled to begin. Fitzgerald, who spent 17 seasons at the helm and is the winningest coach in program history, had argued that the university lacked cause to terminate his contract following reports of a widespread hazing culture. Separate internal and legal reviews concluded that hazing occurred but found no evidence that Fitzgerald directed or condoned the conduct, according to statements released by both parties. Northwestern said the litigation highlighted "highly inappropriate conduct" within the football program and reiterated steps it has taken to prevent future incidents, including expanded training and new reporting mechanisms. Fitzgerald expressed disappointment that players engaged in hazing but maintained he was unaware of the behavior, adding that the settlement allows his family to move forward and clears the way for him to resume his coaching career.