Northwestern extending contracts for Fitzgerald, Collins
Northwestern has agreed to a new contract with football coach Pat Fitzgerald that runs through the 2026 season, according to two people with direct knowledge of the deal.
The people spoke on condition of anonymity Monday night because Northwestern planned to make a formal announcement on Tuesday. In a news release, the school said a news conference was scheduled with Fitzgerald, athletic director Jim Phillips and basketball coach Chris Collins at the Under Armour Brand House in Chicago on Tuesday. One of the people who spoke to the AP says Collins is also receiving a new contract.
ESPN was first to report Fitzgerald's deal.
The 42-year-old Fitzgerald has been head coach at his alma mater since 2006. He is 77-62 with the Wildcats, including seven bowl appearances and two bowl victories. Northwestern had not won a bowl game since 1948. The former Northwestern linebacker and Chicago-area native is 17-9 the past two seasons and has led the Wildcats to two 10-win seasons since 2012.
Fitzgerald's current deal expires in 2020.
The 43-year-old Collins just completed his fourth season at Northwestern. He led the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history last season. The former Duke player and assistant is 73-60 at Northwestern.
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