Pat Fitzgerald - seems like a good fit
On paper makes allot of sense, tech would seemingly be an upgrade from Northwestern where he proved he could win, allong with being able to hit the ground running before other coaches that may have to wait through bowl season. Hard nose defensive coach who is young enough to have a long career and should be somewhat discounted due to the investigation.
Another note: Many other schools that have deeper pockets and more attractive situations will have openings by the end of season. We need to start looking at candidates 6-10, first to act is great, but we certainly will not be first on the list of openings at the end of season.
8 Replies
10mo
Seems they played well for the talent discrepancy they were typically on the short end of, but I think we can do better or hope so.
(In response to this post by RadfordVAHokie)
10mo
He took over when Randy Walker suddenly passed. Fitzgerald was 31 at the time. I hope we at least have a discussion with him.
(In response to this post by HokieKick`nBack)
10mo
Not that I'm saying he should be THE guy, but he put up pretty good results with Northwestern - for a pretty long period - before Northwestern was getting the huge BTN $$ and had upgraded their facilities. the guy can coach.
He's easily the best coach in Northwestern history. And I'd easily put his >.500 W-L% at Northwestern over 16 years up against what Franklin and Pry did at Vanderbilt for a mere 3 years.
** Edited by marcbvtgm at 9/17/2025, 6:39:52 PM
(In response to this post by HokieKick`nBack)
10mo
Fitzgerald, or what's behind Door #3? I am taking Pat Fitzgerald without hesitation. He's proven himself against quality competition as a head coach. I don't even know if he'd be interested. But I think some of these people thinking guys like Shane and Fitzgerald aren't good enough for us right now are delusional. They usually never mention any names, and if they do, they don't consider the cost of landing them. Meanwhile, we are basically on the hook for two buyouts and the media money and politics of conference realignment are trending against us.
** Edited by Maroon Baboon at 9/17/2025, 10:20:52 PM
(In response to this post by marcbvtgm)
10mo
I have no idea if he'd be interested and I wouldn't be shocked if he ends up in a better job than VT.
(In response to this post by Maroon Baboon)
10mo
Even though the courts basically said the actual scandal was how Fitzgerald was treated by Northwestern. Which all goes to show Grok isn't quite the resource it's made out to be.
I don't know whether Fitzgerald is a viable candidate or not, but on paper I think he'd look pretty decent in O&M.
(In response to this post by RadfordVAHokie)
V
VaPoly07
10mo
if we really do get $200M for the athletic dept then we will be able to go after most any coach we want
AND that HC will have enough money to pay assistants on par with Clemson/FSU so we WILL be able to attract the top available coaches
** Edited by VaPoly07 at 9/17/2025, 1:46:59 PM
(In response to this post by RadfordVAHokie)
