On the field victories are only one part of being a successful college football coach. A football season only lasts for four months, but year round coaches need to monitor and motivate their students inside the classroom.

After a thrilling 24-17 road victory against No. 17 Minnesota, Northwestern moved to 7-2 on the year and locked up a bowl berth.  Third year head coach Pat Fitzgerald took over the program after the unexpected death of Randy Walker. Most expected the short lived success under Coach Walker to dwindle. However, not only has Coach Fitzgerald been successful on the field, but his players excel academically and graduate college.

In 2008 Northwestern had a NCAA graduation success rate of 92%, which was tied for third best in the nation.  Bowl bids and graduating players speak volumes about what a great coach of both students and athletes Pat Fitzgerald is. The Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year recipient exhibits both excellence on and off the field. I believe Coach Fitzgerald is a fine candidate for such a prestigious award.  20% of the selection process consists of a fan vote. Currently Coach Fitzgerald is 11^th in fan voting. If you feel strongly like I do that Coach Fitzgerald is the best choice for the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year, or if you feel strongly about another coach, I encourage you to vote.