The Northwestern football program has been in the headlines a ton with Pat Fizgerald's hazing allegations. On Monday, he was fired as the coach of the program after nearly two decades, and now nobody knows what is next for the Wildcats.

However, Bruce Feldman of The Athletic revealed a list of potential candidates, including a few notable names. Some of the more notable names include Iowa State HC Matt Campbell, Alabama OC Tommy Rees, and New York Giants OC Mike Kafka. Here are some of the other candidates that Feldman mentioned:

  • Wake Forest HC Dave Clawson
  • Former Wisconsin HC Paul Chryst
  • Duke HC Mike Elko
  • Tulane HC Willie Fritz
  • Eastern Michigan HC Chris Creighton
Article Continues Below
More NCAA Football News
Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
4-star WR sends powerful 3-word message to Lincoln Riley, USC TrojansRichard Pereira ·
Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders (21) reacts in the second quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field.
Colorado’s Deion, Shilo Sanders get heartwarming Ric Flair shoutoutMatty Breisch ·
Westlake Chaparrals wide receiver Chase Bowen (11) and North Shore Mustangs free safety Chace Calicut (22) collide after the punt bounces in the first quarter as the Chaparrals take on the Mustangs in the Conference 6A Division 1 UIL State Playoff semi-final game at Legacy Stadium in Katy, Dec. 14, 2024.
Texas football news: 4-star target teases Longhorns with Steve Sarkisian postJordan Llanes ·
Josh Putman, 19, a member of Quarterback University, snaps the ball to Bryce Underwood, 17, a freshman quarterback at the University of Michigan, during a private workout
How Bryce Underwood is helping Michigan football recruitScotty White ·
Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore looks up during the first half against Fresno State at Michigan Stadium at Michigan Stadium
Anonymous coach gets real on Michigan football’s 2025 outlookScotty White ·
Troy Trojans head coach Chip Lindsey directs his team against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium.
New Michigan football OC gets real on run-first mentalityScotty White ·

There are more, and frankly, who knows which direction Northwestern goes in after these stunning allegations came to light. Still, a Big Ten job is always going to gain traction, and there are some big names circulating for this none despite the season being right around the corner.

Tommy Rees just moved to Alabama after leaving Notre Dame and is set to run the offense for Nick Saban. But a head coach job is the dream, and his resume speaks for itself. Mike Kafka is an intriguing name, although making the move from NFL to college comes with a ton of risks. However, Kafka played at Northwestern, so coaching his alma mater has to be on the back of his mind.

All in all, the Northwestern football job should be appealing for a ton of reasons, and it will be interesting to see who takes over after an ugly ending to the Pat Fitzgerald era.