David Braun Signs Contract Extension Through 2031 With Northwestern Wildcats

Northwestern University and head football coach David Braun have agreed to a contract extension that will keep him at the helm of the Wildcats program through the 2031 college football season. The announcement was made Thursday morning.

"David Braun is the right leader today for Northwestern Football and for the years to come," Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Mark Jackson said in a statement. "He recruits young men of high character who embrace our elite academic environment and who compete in the most competitive conference in the country. David develops our student-athletes at a time when retaining talent has never been harder, and they choose to remain Wildcats when other options appear. He does it with a rare combination of relentless competitiveness and integrity."

Braun, who originally joined Northwestern as defensive coordinator in 2023, was elevated to interim head coach in July of that year following the dismissal of head coach Pat Fitzgerald amid a hazing investigation. He was later named the full-time head coach during the season.

Under Braun's leadership, Northwestern finished the 2023 season with an 8-5 overall record and a 5-4 mark in Big Ten play. The Wildcats' season was capped by a victory over the Utah Utes in the Las Vegas Bowl. Braun received 2023 Big Ten Coach of the Year honors for his efforts. The eight wins marked the most for the program since 2017.

Since Braun took over, the Wildcats have a combined record of 20-19 overall and 11-16 in Big Ten play, making two bowl game appearances in 2023 and 2025.

"I am so honored to have the opportunity to lead a storied football program at an institution that demands and expects excellence, instills character, and provides a transformative experience for its student-athletes on and off the field," Braun stated. "I am grateful to President Chiang and to Mark Jackson for the continued investment into our program, for their support of my family and our tremendous staff and for sharing in our belief of what Northwestern Football can become."

Before his arrival at Northwestern in 2023, Braun served as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach for North Dakota State from 2019 to 2022. Prior to that, he was a defensive assistant with Northern Iowa from 2017 to 2018, among other coaching roles.

Northwestern opened its 2026 season on September 5 with a 34-18 home victory against South Dakota State. The Wildcats are scheduled to host the Colorado Buffaloes on Saturday evening.