Pat

Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald has long resisted any overtures to leave his alma mater, so there is little reason not to take him at his word. The Green Bay Press-Gazette had reported the Packers were “hopeful” of interviewing the B1G coach. On to the next one.

“Hashtag Go Cats, man,” Fitzgerald said after the Wildcats’ recent bowl victory. “I’m not going anywhere. This is home forever.” Northwestern is Fitzgerald’s alma mater. Something of an annual rumored candidate, both in the college and pro ranks, Fitzgerald has indeed never seemed close to leaving. That will likely remain the case this time, as well.

Many reports had him linked to Green Bay’s head coaching vacancy, but Fitzgerald emphatically shot down those rumors on Monday night. “Hashtag Go Cats, man. This is home,” said the 44-year-old, who also played his college ball in Evanston. “I’m not going anywhere. This is home forever.” The Packers have cast a wide net in their coaching search, showing interest in former Lions and Colts head coach Jim Caldwell, Saints assistant/TEs coach Dan Campbell, Titans OC Matt LaFleur, Patriots DC Brian Flores, Patriots OC Josh McDaniels, Steelers OL coach Mike Munchak and former Colts coach Chuck Pagano, among others.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer also linked Fitzgerald to the Packers. Fitzgerald has strong ties to CEO Mark Murphy, who hired him back in 2006 as Northwestern’s Athletic Director. Green Bay interviewed a pair of retreads in Jim Caldwell and Chuck Pagano, but neither feel like serious candidates. Fitzgerald’s had NFL interest in the past but it was never enough to lure him from his alma mater. A proven track record (.576 Win Percentage) at the college level with not much left to prove, it may be time for Fitzgerald to make the jump.