Northwestern announces extensions for Collins, Fitzgerald

Chris Collins and Pat Fitzgerald will be at Northwestern for the foreseeable future, as the school announced long-term contract extensions for both the men's basketball head coach and football head coach on Tuesday.

"At Northwestern we place a premium on 'institutional fit'," athletic director Jim Phillips said in a statement. "We are distinct in having two head coaches for our two anchor programs who are homegrown. Pat Fitzgerald grew up on the city's southwest side. Chris Collins attended high school less than 10 miles from Welsh-Ryan Arena. They not only understand this area, they are intimately linked to it, now for many years to come."

Fitzgerald, who starred for the Wildcats in his playing days, received an extension through the 2026 season. He is the all-time winningest coach for the football program and has been at his current post since 2006.

"This is home for me and my family, and I love this University," Fitzgerald said. "I'm extremely privileged to coach the exceptional young men we invite here to earn the best education in college football and compete at the highest level in the Big Ten Conference."

Collins, who was extended through the 2024-25 campaign, is coming off a season that saw Northwestern qualify for the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history. The Wildcats posted a program-best 24 wins and knocked off Vanderbilt in the opening round of the tournament.

"My family and I could not be more excited to be a part of the Wildcats community for many years to come," Collins said. "I have absolutely loved coaching here, the support that we've received from the University, its leadership, and our fans has been exceptional."