Former Northwestern football coach Pat Fitzgerald, fired in July after a hazing investigation into his program, will be a volunteer assistant coach at Loyola Academy this season.
According to a statement from Loyola, Fitzgerald completed a number of trainings and background checks and signed a code of conduct agreement required by Loyola, the Archdiocese of Chicago and the state of Illinois.
Fitzgerald’s middle son, Ryan, a junior, will be the Ramblers’ starting quarterback this season. His oldest son, Jack, graduated this past spring after playing on last season’s state championship team. He is now a freshman tight end at NU.
Fitzgerald will be one of several new faces on the Loyola sideline. Beau Desherow has taken over as head coach for John Holecek, who stepped down after 17 seasons and three state titles.
“Supporting [Desherow] are many assistant coaches, as well as parent volunteers, who provide an invaluable service to all of our athletic teams — indeed, our entire Loyola community — assisting with game-day management, logistics, offering fresh insight, etc.,” the statement said.
Desherow, hired after a nationwide search, played for Loyola’s 1992 state runner-up team and coached at his alma mater for 16 years. He has worked for the school since 2004 and most recently served as vice president for admission and enrollment.
Charlie Bliss, one of the most successful offensive coordinators in state history, is also now on staff. He was at Maine South for 34 years and helped lead the Hawks to four state titles. Desherow says Bliss will work as an offensive analyst for the varsity team and also help in the development of the lower-level quarterbacks.
Loyola opens the season Aug. 26 against Grand Rapids Central Catholic, a highly regarded team from Michigan.
