EAST LANSING, Mich. — Pat Fitzgerald says Saturday's matchup against Northwestern, the program he played for and coached for 17 seasons, is not about him. The first-year Michigan State coach kept things measured at his weekly news conference Monday, two days after a viral sideline moment during a 38-37 overtime loss to Illinois.
Michigan State (2-4, 0-3) hosts No. 25 Northwestern (4-1, 1-1) at noon Saturday at Spartan Stadium, with the Spartans still searching for their first win over a Power Four conference team under Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald Keeps Focus on the Players, Not the Past
Fitzgerald didn't take any shots at his former program, which fired him in July 2023 amid a hazing scandal.
“This week and this game is not about me,” Fitzgerald said. “It's about the players on both teams. I'm very proud of my experience as a player there and the great teammates I had. But I'm a Spartan and I'm proud to be a Spartan and I'm honored to be here.”
Fitzgerald went 110-101 with 10 bowl appearances at Northwestern, including a 4-20 record over his final two seasons. He settled a $130 million wrongful termination lawsuit in August 2025, with Northwestern saying it found no evidence that he directed or condoned the hazing.
On Monday, he was complimentary of the Wildcats and fourth-year coach David Braun, whom Fitzgerald hired as defensive coordinator before the 2023 season.
“He's done just an absolutely terrific job leading the program,” Fitzgerald said. “Huge fan of his and huge fan of theirs in every game but one this Saturday.”
Viral Sideline Moment Draws an Apology
Fitzgerald made headlines during Saturday's loss to Illinois when cameras caught him whipping a towel and waving his middle finger toward the field after a successful onside kick was negated by an offside penalty. Illinois stopped a Spartans 2-point conversion attempt in overtime to seal the win.
“My mom's rolling over in her grave, so I need to be more disciplined,” Fitzgerald said. “I do have a passion problem, and I've had that for a long time. But that needs to be controlled.”
He said he apologized to his players that his reaction became a distraction.
Aidan Chiles Returns to East Lansing
The game carries another storyline: Northwestern quarterback Aidan Chiles faces the program he left. Chiles threw for 3,807 yards and 23 touchdowns with 14 interceptions over two seasons at Michigan State under former coach Jonathan Smith.
This season, under new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, Chiles has thrown for 1,172 yards and nine touchdowns with no interceptions while rushing for six scores in five games.
“He's playing outstanding,” Fitzgerald said. “The touchdown-to-turnover ratio speaks for itself.”
What's at Stake for Both Programs
Northwestern is ranked in the Associated Press poll for the first time since 2020, with wins over Colorado and Penn State in the opening of the new $875 million Ryan Field and a close loss to defending national champion Indiana. After Michigan State and Rutgers, the Wildcats face a brutal stretch against Oregon, No. 17 Iowa and No. 4 Ohio State.
Braun, for his part, echoed Fitzgerald's message about focus.
“This game is not about me,” Braun said. “This is about this team preparing to be at our best on the road in a hostile environment.”
For Iowa fans, the game offers an early look at a Wildcats team the Hawkeyes will face later this season, one riding momentum behind a revitalized offense and a defense built by a coach who learned under Fitzgerald himself.
When does Pat Fitzgerald face Northwestern?
Michigan State hosts Northwestern at noon Saturday at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan.
Why was Pat Fitzgerald fired from Northwestern?
Northwestern fired Fitzgerald in July 2023 after football players reported hazing in his program. He settled a $130 million wrongful termination lawsuit in August 2025, and the university said it found no evidence he directed or condoned the hazing.
What did Pat Fitzgerald say about the middle finger incident?
Fitzgerald apologized to his players, calling it a “passion problem” and saying he needs to be more disciplined and composed after the moment went viral during the overtime loss to Illinois.