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David Braun navigates challenges as Northwestern football head coach

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 26, 2026, 12:05 PM

Last updated Jul 26, 2026

David Braun navigates challenges as Northwestern football head coach

Summary

David Braun, the second youngest head coach in the Big Ten at age 41, has overseen Northwestern football following a hazing scandal that led to the firing of Pat Fitzgerald. His team finished the 2023 season with a 7–5 record, the best for a first-year Northwestern coach since 1903, and secured a bowl game for the first time since 2020. Braun received the 2023 Big Ten Coach of the Year award for his leadership and steady performance amid adversity. He has a career record of 19-19 over three seasons and has taken Northwestern to two bowl games, winning both, while acknowledging ongoing challenges in rebuilding the program.

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By the Numbers

•Braun has led Northwestern to two bowl game victories.
•The team finished 16th out of 18 in the Big Ten in 2024.
•Braun was hired as defensive coordinator in early 2023.
•The Wildcats achieved their highest wins since 1903 under Braun.
•Braun instilled belief in the team during a challenging transition.

Latest Updates

12:05 PMYahoo Sports — Northwestern’s David Braun making the most of an opportunity

What they're saying

"
He’s the second youngest head coach in the Big Ten at 41. He’s just .500 over three seasons at 19-19. But, he’s taken his team to two bowl games, winning both. He also went 4-8 in the season between those bowl games, finishing 16th in an 18-team Big Ten. A work in progress. For a […]
— Yahoo Sports

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