Fitzgerald Named New Coach at Northwestern

Former Northwestern All-American linebacker Pat Fitzgerald was named the new head coach at his alma mater on Friday, replacing the late Randy Walker who passed away from a heart attack last week.

With the appointment, Fitzgerald becomes the youngest head coach in Division I-AA. The 31-year-old Fitzgerald was a linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator under Walker. His appointment came one day after he spoke at a memorial service for Walker.

Athletic director Mark Murphy said that when he was negotiating with Walker for a contract extension earlier this year, Walker told him Fitzgerald would be his choice as successor.

"Our wounds are deep and our morale is fractured," Fitzgerald said at his press conference, adding that he dreamed of being the head coach at his alma mater, just not under these circumstances. "There are a lot of heavy hearts, but coach would want us to move on.

"While this has been my goal from the moment I began coaching, this is also bittersweet. We've all had a difficult week with the loss of Coach Walker, my friend and mentor," Fitzgerald said. "But I'm determined to continue Coach Walker's legacy and build upon his successes. Northwestern will continue to have a football program built upon great work ethic, attitude and investment."

Fitzgerald won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation's top defensive player in 1995 and 1996. Northwestern opens its season against Miami (Ohio) on August 31.