‘Pat Fitzgerald Era Already Better,’ ‘Doesn’t Sit Well With Me’ — CFB World Divide…
Michigan State · Northwestern · ToledoNow back in the saddle of a Big Ten program, Fitzgerald was welcomed back by media members and fans all over the college world as he and his Spartans kicked off Week 1 at home. "The first offensive drive in the Pat Fitzgerald era: 13 plays.
Love it," stated Pat McAfee Show's Evan Fox . "The Pat Fitzgerald era begins at Michigan State tonight 🗡️" posted Fox College Football .
"When you realize Pat Fitzgerald was ripping off Top-20 seasons with a bunch of pre-med nerds and now can have actual football players," remarked another . "The Pat Fitzgerald Era, already better."
wrote a college football fan after Michigan State's first drive. Sports Broadcaster Kate Constable also took to her X account to praise the new Spartan coach, writing, "I love seeing Pat Fitzgerald back on the sidelines.
KEY POINTS
- ‘Pat Fitzgerald Era Already Better,’ ‘Doesn’t Sit Well With Me’ — CFB World Divided on Michigan State HC’s Return to Coaching After Northwestern Scandal.
- As Michigan State kicks off its Week 1 against the Toledo Rockets, this showdown also marks the return of new Spartans head coach Pat Fitzgerald to the college football world.
- After being fired in 2023 following a hazing situation at Northwestern, the former coach sued the university for wrongful termination, and the two sides would not settle until 2025 on undisclosed terms.
- Fitzgerald was away from coaching for a few years while settling his lawsuit with Northwestern, but was hired in December of 2025 to coach Michigan State.