LINCOLN, Neb. -- For the first time since Nebraska joined the Big Ten, the Huskers will not be playing a Pat Fitzgerald-coached team.

According to multiple sources, Northwestern has parted ways with Fitzgerald, who coached the Wildcats for 17 seasons.

He was also an assistant for four years and played as a linebacker for Northwestern.

Fitzgerald was suspended two weeks this offseason after an investigation into hazing in the Wildcats' program. The suspension started this month, before the team begins practices.

After a former player spoke out against Fitzgerald in an ESPN article this weekend, however, the school said Sunday it would consider harsher punishment.

The player said Fitzgerald allowed sexualized hazing and that he "failed the program." A group of current players vocally backed Fitzgerald after the report.

Northwestern plays at Nebraska on Oct. 21.