Report: Northwestern's Fitzgerald sparking NFL interest

Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald is drawing interest from NFL teams looking for a new head coach, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Two clubs have already inquired about Fitzgerald's availability, with the coach coming fresh off the Wildcats' second Big Ten title game appearance in three years. The sideline boss is expected to receive formal interview requests after Northwestern's bowl game.

Fitzgerald is no stranger to the NFL rumor mill as his name has been linked to openings for the last several years. The Green Bay Packers targeted his services after the 2018 season, but he rejected an interview. The Carolina Panthers also considered him last year before hiring Matt Rhule.

Nine NFL teams have inquired about Fitzgerald over the past five years, according to Schefter. The 46-year-old owns a 105-81 record over 15 seasons at Northwestern and a 63-60 mark in Big Ten competition.

The Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, and Detroit Lions have already made coaching changes this year and another handful of other teams could follow suit in the coming weeks.