Northwestern Locks In David Braun Through 2031 Season
Northwestern announced Thursday that it has signed head coach David Braun to a contract extension running through the 2031 season, securing the leader who has guided the program through a turbulent stretch and back to postseason relevance.
Braun joined Northwestern as defensive coordinator ahead of the 2023 season and was elevated to interim head coach that July after Pat Fitzgerald was dismissed amid a hazing investigation into the program. Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Mark Jackson said in a statement announcing the extension that Braun "recruits young men of high character" and develops players "at a time when retaining talent has never been harder." Jackson added, "He is everything that we need in a head coach," pointing to the upcoming opening of New Ryan Field as another sign of the program's momentum. Braun, in his own statement, called Northwestern "a special place" and said he and his wife, Kristin, are "proud to call it home for many years to come." best bandy betting online
Braun's first season in charge produced an 8-5 record and a 5-4 Big Ten mark, a sharp turnaround from the 1-11 finish in 2022, and included a win over Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl and the end of a 14-game road losing streak. Those eight wins were Northwestern's most since a 10-3 campaign in 2017, and Braun was named Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2023 before being made full-time head coach that same season. Since taking over, Northwestern is 20-19 overall and 11-16 in conference play, with bowl appearances in 2023 and 2025. Before arriving in Evanston, Braun spent 2019-22 as defensive coordinator and safeties coach at North Dakota State and 2017-18 as a defensive assistant at Northern Iowa.
Northwestern opened the 2026 season with a 34-18 home win over South Dakota State on September 5. The Wildcats next host Colorado, unbeaten at 2-0, on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the game airing on FOX.
