The Nebraska Cornhuskers won’t be facing off against Pat Fitzgerald anymore. The Northwestern coach was fired on Monday night amid scandal.
Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald is gone. And with him leaves one heck of a fly in the ointment for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team. There are few coaches who have done more with less in the Big Ten, and there are few that had less talent that so often gave the Huskers a run for their money or downright humiliated them.
Fitzgerald was fired on Monday night after accusations swirled around the program for days. First Fitzgerald was suspended for two weeks. Then a report surfaced that accused the 17 year head coach of either knowing about, or even encouraging hazing of Wildcats players that involved simulated sexual assault.
On Monday, as there was on Sunday, different reports told different stories, but when several former players accused the program of a racist bent, it felt like things were basically over. It turns out that was true.
Fitzgerald was removed, allowed to say goodbye to his team with his family in attendance and then quickly shown the door. Reportedly, defensive coordinator David Braun will be the interim coach.
Sources: Northwestern is expected to name defensive coordinator David Braun as the acting coach. Braun came to Northwestern in January from North Dakota State, where he was FCS coordinator of the Year in 2021.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) July 11, 2023
The question now is will Braun be the coach for the 2023 season or will the Wildcats try and hire someone quickly to staunch the bleeding. It’s important to note that Big Ten Media Days are July 26 and 27. That’s just over two weeks away.
With his departure, Fitzgerald leaves as a man who went 6-6 against the Nebraska Cornhuskers since they joined the Big 10. That includes upsetting Scott Frost’s squad in Dublin last year. The Wildcats’ only win of the 2023 season.
Nebraska Cornhuskers paid a visit by rival coach
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire was in Lincoln on Monday. It doesn’t appear there’s anything sinister about the rival coach’s visit. In fact, it looks like this is a continuation of a great relationship between the Huskers and Red Raiders under Matt Rhule. Joey’s son is of course, Husker wide receivers coach Garrett McGuire. The elder McGuire is also close friends with Matt Rhule.
Great being at Nebraska with my guy @GarretMcGuire Lets goooooooo! #RDV #GBR pic.twitter.com/FG02551EXF
— Joey McGuire 🌵 (@JoeyMcGuireTTU) July 10, 2023
More Huskers get drafted
On Sunday, Brice Matthews and Max Anderson were drafted. On Monday, another couple of Will Bolt’s boys were selected. Friday, pitcher Emmett Olson was selected in the fourth round by the Miami Marlins. A few hours later, Jace Kaminska was drafted in the 10th round by the Colorado Rockies.
Nebraska Cornhuskers wrestlers win Pan-Am gold
On Saturday, a couple of Husker wrestlers took home some impressive medals. Antrell Taylor and Camden McDanel both won gold at the Pan-Am Championships. Corn Nation had the skinny on just how big an accomplishment this was.
"“Both slated to be backups this season, Antrell Taylor competed at 70kg while incoming freshman Camden McDanel was at 97kg. Taylor made it to the World Team Trials and US Open finals earlier this summer, nearly making the U20 World Team, while McDanel made the team and will compete for Team USA at U20 Worlds in August.”"
Sam Griesel has his own camp
In a matter of weeks, Sam Griesel is going to have his first ever camp. The former Nebraska Cornhuskers star is staging his first Sammy Hoops Camp.
I’m excited to announce the 1st ever Sammy Hoops Camp happening in Grand Island, NE on July 19th & 20th in collaboration with @VigliancoHoops
— Sam Griesel (@SammyG_22) July 10, 2023
Please follow the link below to sign up!
Looking forward to meeting the next generation of Husker hoopers! https://t.co/Ta8fm1h7fk pic.twitter.com/C11D9D86Wy
He’ll be showing grade school kids how to turn up their game in Grand Island on July 19 and July 20.