Fresh off of their bowl win over Utah over the weekend, the Northwestern Wildcats are making a few changes to their coaching staff.
According to multiple reports, Northwestern “parted ways” with offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian, special teams coordinator Jeff Genyk and director of sports performance Jay Hooten. The move comes just five days after the Wildcats defeated the Utah Utes 14-7 in the Las Vegas Bowl.
“Northwestern has parted ways with OC Mike Bajakian, special teams coordinator/TEs coach Jeff Genyk and director of sports performance for football Jay Hooten,” football reporter Matt Fortuna said.
Sources: Northwestern has parted ways with OC Mike Bajakian, special teams coordinator/TEs coach Jeff Genyk and director of sports performance for football Jay Hooten. https://t.co/fxngM3l8wk
— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) December 28, 2023
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In a surprising campaign for the Wildcats, Braun went from interim head coach to permanent head coach and is now ready to put his stamp on the team.
Northwestern President Michael Schill removed Braun’s interim tag on November 15.
“We asked Dave to support our student-athletes this season, and he has done an exceptional job,” Schill said. “Under his guidance, Northwestern’s football team has exceeded expectations on the field and excelled in the classroom. The turnaround he has led, under very difficult circumstances, is nothing short of phenomenal.
“I have had the opportunity to sit down with Coach Braun in recent months, meetings that re-affirmed what I saw on the field and heard from people close to the program — that Dave’s values are Northwestern’s values,” Schill added. “I couldn’t be happier that he will permanently lead our student-athletes on the gridiron.”
The Wildcats finished Braun’s first season with an 8-5 record.