Northwestern Football: Pat Fitzgerald's Contract Extended Through 2020 Season

Northwestern have finalized an extension with head coach Pat Fitzgerald that will keep its man in Evanston through the 2020 season, the school said through an official press release today.

"There is no better individual to lead Chicago's Big Ten team than Pat," Northwestern athletic director Jim Phillips said.

"Our football program is having unprecedented success—on the football field, in the classroom and in the community—and that is due to Pat's outstanding leadership. Northwestern is committed to giving our football program all the necessary resources to do tremendous things on and off the field."

Fitzgerald took over the program after the unfortunate heart attack suffered by then Northwestern head coach Randy Walker in the summer of 2006, who had a successful run as head coach making three bowl games in six seasons from 1999 to 2005.

Phillips also alluded to the school's master plan to help generate a larger salary pool for other assistant coaches on the team and more importantly upgrade the facilities

"I'm humbled and appreciative of the commitment shown by Northwestern," Fitzgerald said in a statement. "With this support from our administration, our coaches and players expect to compete for championships."

Fitzgerald has been with the program since the 2001 season leading the linebacking corps until taking over the role as head coach leading the team to at least six wins in the past three seasons.

As head coach, Fitzgerald has went a respectable 33-29 for Northwestern while being under .500 at 18-22  in conference play but with notable top 15 upsets of Wisconsin and Iowa in 2009 and Iowa again last season.

Does the extension of Fitzgerald look to bring brighter days to the program or will the Wildcats continue to run at the middle of the pack in the Big Ten?

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