Northwestern signs David Braun to contract extension

The Northwestern Wildcats have extended their head coach David Braun's contract for an additional three years through the 2031 season, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. The deal will see a significant salary increase for Braun. Braun was appointed as the interim head coach for the 2023 season following the departure of long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald.

As head coach, Braun boasts a 20-19 overall record, with an 11-16 conference record. He earned the full-time coaching position following a 7-5 regular season and was recognized as the Big Ten Coach of the Year. The team achieved an eight-win season, their first since 2018, under Braun's guidance and they secured a victory in the Las Vegas Bowl.

However, the Wildcats experienced a downturn in 2024, compiling a 2-8 overall record and 2-7 conference record. Despite this setback, Braun led the team to a winning season in 2025, culminating in a triumph in the GameAbove Sports Bowl. This marked the first time in program history that a coach had secured two bowl wins within the initial three years of their tenure.

In the 2026 season, Northwestern begins with a 1-0 record, having defeated South Dakota State 34-18 in Week One. The team will face its first FBS opponent this weekend when the Colorado Buffaloes visit Martin Stadium, their temporary home on Lake Michigan. This will mark the final game at the stadium, which will be replaced by Ryan Field on Friday, October 2, 2026.

The renovation of Ryan Field has cost $850 million and marks the 100th year since the original Ryan Field hosted a football game.