Reports indicate that Northwestern is planning to keep David Braun as their football coach.
Braun is expected to have his interim title removed and be announced as the Wildcats’ permanent head coach. He took on the interim role in July after long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald was let go due to a hazing scandal within the program.
Previously hired by Fitzgerald as the new defensive coordinator, Braun was brought on board after the team’s disappointing 1-11 performance in 2022.
Following Fitzgerald’s dismissal prior to what would have been his 18th season, Northwestern was predicted to be among the worst teams in the country. With a combined record of 4-20 during 2021 and 2022, and a 2-16 record in Big Ten play, Braun has improbably brought Northwestern to the brink of a bowl berth.
The Wildcats currently hold a 5-5 overall season record, with a 3-4 record in Big Ten play leading into the final two regular season games. Northwestern has secured victories over Maryland and Wisconsin in the past month, with their most recent win being a 24-10 upset over Wisconsin in Madison.
Northwestern’s next game takes place against Purdue on Saturday, followed by the season finale at Illinois on Nov. 25. If the Wildcats secure a win in either game, they will become bowl eligible.
Prior to joining Northwestern, Braun spent four seasons as the defensive coordinator at North Dakota State, aiding in the team’s FCS national titles in 2019 and 2021. In 2021, he was recognized as the FCS Coordinator of the Year.
Before this season, Braun had no prior experience coaching at the FBS level or being a head coach.
Previously, Braun held defensive assistant positions at Northern Iowa (FCS), UC Davis (FCS), Winona State (Division II), and Culver-Stockton (NAIA).
