At Big Ten Media Days, Northwestern’s David Braun Pushed Into An Uncomfortable Spotlight
At Big Ten Media Days, Northwestern’s David Braun Pushed Into An Uncomfortable Spotlight
“I never could have imagined, nor did I desire, to become a head coach under these types of circumstances,” Braun stated on Big Ten Media Days. David Braun has been thrown into a situation he did not expect to be in.
Braun was named as Northwestern’s defensive coordinator in January by then-head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Braun is now in charge of the program six months later.
Braun is the interim head coach for the Wildcats after Fitzgerald was sacked following an inquiry into hazing in his football department.
Fitzgerald, who was entering his 18th season as head coach at his alma university, has denied any knowledge of hazing, but numerous former players have filed lawsuits against the institution, alleging pervasive hazing.
With the 2023 football season less than two months away, Braun found himself in an awkward spotlight Wednesday at Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis.
“I never could have imagined, nor did I desire, to become a head coach under these types of circumstances,” Braun added.
“This has obviously been a very difficult time for our team, our staff, the current and former players who have been impacted, our alumni, the university, and the broader Northwestern community.”
With the exception of Fitzgerald, the rest of Northwestern’s football coaching staff has been retained for the 2023 season.
Even after being mentioned in a recent lawsuit brought by former NU football player Lloyd Yates, this includes veteran Wildcats assistant Matt MacPherson.
Yates claimed that MacPherson, who has been at Northwestern since 2006, witnessed multiple alleged hazing incidents. The lawsuit also implicated Jay Hooten, Northwestern’s head strength coach since 2011.
Braun declined to comment on the coaches listed in the case, instead deferring to university administration.
“I will not comment on current allegations.” “I have complete faith that our university is going through a process and will make decisions based on facts,” Braun stated.
“What I can say is how proud I am of how our team has come together with all of this going on around our football team.” Our leadership has absolute resolution and trust in our team’s ability to move forward.”
Braun, who spent the previous four seasons at North Dakota State, called the weeks following Fitzgerald’s firing “very emotional” for the players and staff. Braun aims to refocus a squad that is aiming to make strides after finishing 1-11 in 2022, with preseason practice just around the bend.
“Through one-on-one meetings with the majority of our team, I have found a team that has come together, that truly loves one another, and that has an incredible resolve to attack the 2023 season and write their own story about overcoming adversity,” Braun said. “Let me clarify. This football team will be prepared.”
Since Fitzgerald’s dismissal, three Northwestern players — all on defense — have entered the transfer portal. Linebacker Juice Cryer has already committed to Florida State, while safety Jeremiah Lewis and linebacker Nigel Glover remain undecided.
The Wildcats will open the season on September 3rd at Rutgers.
