Pat Fitzgerald was hired by MSU last week, and replaces former coach Jonathan Smith, who was fired late last month following two losing seasons in charge. 

A term sheet spelling out certain aspects of Fitzgerald's deal with MSU has been publicized, but a complete version of his contract has not been. The board will vote on such a version Friday, said MSU Spokesperson Emily Guerrant, adding that it will be made available to the public after the board votes Friday.

Fitzgerald's term sheet, which was obtained by The State News, shows he's agreed to a five-year deal extending through Jan. 31, 2031. It stipulates that he'll have an annual base salary of $4 million for each of the five seasons, as well as supplemental pay starting at $1 million, and increasing by $500,000 each year. The term sheet also includes a number of performance incentives, which are bonuses for specific achievements. 

It's unclear what the complete contract that the board will vote on Friday includes beyond what's spelled out in the term sheet.

Fitzgerald was fired as coach of Northwestern University's after the student newspaper reported on allegations that widespread hazing — including coerced sexual acts — had been occurring amongst his teams for years. 

Independent investigations ordered by Northwestern and civil lawsuits against the school brought by former players and Fitzgerald found widespread evidence of years of severe hazing on Fitzgerald’s teams, but no evidence that he had direct knowledge of what was occurring. Northwestern’s investigation did conclude that coaching staff had "significant opportunities to discover and report the hazing conduct." 

The Daily Northwestern also reported in July 2023 instances of widespread racism in Fitzgerald’s football program. Multiple former players told the student newspaper that players of color were told to cut long hair to fit in with Fitzgerald’s so-called "Wildcat Way," and assistant coaches reportedly made racist remarks to players.

Northwestern ultimately agreed to undisclosed settlements with both former players and Fitzgerald, with the university president releasing a statement saying the lawsuits uncovered no evidence that Fitzgerald "condoned or directed any hazing." Fitzgerald said the settlement left him feeling "vindicated." 

MSU president Kevin Guskiewicz told The State News last week that he is "very comfortable" with hiring Fitzgerald, and that the university did its due diligence in vetting him.

Construction Plans

The board is slated to vote on constructing a second indoor arena in the Farm Bureau Pavillion, a convention center located on campus which hosts agricultural events. This addition will allow for increased animal housing, exhibit space and a greater scope for events, the resolution said.

Planning costs are estimated at $1.5 million and will be funded by gifts to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The board will also decide whether to proceed with the reconstruction of Farm Lane from Wilson Road to North Shaw Lane. The board initially approved the project in February.

The project scope includes installing steam pipelines to North Campus, as well as adding additional traffic lights and bike lanes, the resolution said.