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He replaces Pat Fitzgerald, who was fired
Monday with $42 million remaining on his contract after
university officials concluded an independent investigation that
found hazing allegations within the program were "largely
supported by evidence."
Braun, who has no head coaching experience and is new to the FBS
level, was promoted for the 2023 season.
"The opportunity to lead this team at this crucial moment in its
history is not something I take lightly, and I'm grateful for
the trust placed in me by (athletic director Derrick) Gragg and
Northwestern leadership," Braun said in a news release. "Our
focus today and every day moving forward is on supporting these
men, many of whom have only been on campus for several weeks, in
their preparation for the 2023 football season and the 2023-24
academic year."
Braun was hired in January after working as the defensive
coordinator at FCS powerhouse North Dakota State from 2019-22.
The Bison won two FCS national championships (2019, 2021) and
two Missouri Valley Football Conference crowns in his first
three seasons, and they boasted the country's No. 1 scoring
defense both title years.
A graduate of Winona State graduate and a former defensive
lineman there, Braun also was an assistant coach at NAIA program
Culver-Stockton (2010), Division II Winona State (2011-14) and
FCS program UC Davis (2015-16). He spent two seasons at Northern
Iowa before accepting the position at North Dakota State.
Braun will make his coaching debut Sept. 3 at Rutgers.
The Wildcats are coming off a 1-11 season in 2022, following a
3-9 campaign in 2021.
--Field Level Media
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