Big Ten Daily (Nov. 16): Northwestern Putting its Faith in David Braun

David Braun was thrown into the fire just a few months after arriving at Northwestern. Following a 5-5 start to the season, the Wildcats have removed his interim tag, naming him the permanent head coach.

Northwestern decided to remove the interim tag from David Braun's title on Wednesday, naming him the permanent head coach. The sample size might be small, but the Wildcats believe they have found their leader.

Braun was thrown into the fire just a few months after his arrival in Evanston. The school tabbed him as the interim after terminating long-time coach Pat Fitzgerald when allegations of hazing and abuse within the program surfaced.

Taking over a program dealing with that level of turmoil appeared to be an impossible task. Yet the Wildcats sit 5-5 through the first 10 games, one win away from bowl eligibility.

Northwestern's unexpected success on the field resulted in Braun's promotion.

"I am truly honored for the opportunity to continue leading Northwestern's football program," Braun said in a statement. "Over the past five months, having the chance to lead this group has been the opportunity of a lifetime. Moving forward, my mission is to build on this positive momentum, aiming to create one of the best experiences in college football for our student-athletes."

Fitzgerald hired Braun as the team's defensive coordinator in January 2023. Even that seemed like a gamble at the time.

Braun had been in the coaching industry for over a decade but had yet to land a job with an FBS program. He joined Northwestern's staff after a four-year run with FCS powerhouse North Dakota State, where he was defensive coordinator and safeties coach.

At Big Ten Media Days, Braun appeared in over his head. The primary goal for Northwestern was to get through the 2023 season without further controversy. 

The year has been far more successful than anyone imagined. Braun has been rewarded for his effort.

Northwestern now has two opportunities to clinch bowl eligibility — something viewed as a pipe dream just a few months ago. The Wildcats host Purdue (3-7) this weekend before closing out the season against Illinois (5-5) in Champaign.

Iowa's Cooper DeJean Out for Season

Iowa will play the remainder of its football season without star defensive back and return man Cooper DeJean. The school announced the junior will miss the rest of the year with a lower-leg injury.

That's a significant blow for the Hawkeyes, who have depended heavily on their defense this season. DeJean has been a huge part of Iowa's success, both in the secondary and on special teams.

DeJean tallied 26 tackles, five pass break-ups and two interceptions for the Hawkeyes in 10 games. On special teams, he accounted for 241 yards and a touchdown on 21 returns.

The junior cornerback was named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe, Lott IMPACT and Bednarik awards.

“This is truly heartbreaking for Cooper,” coach Kirk Ferentz said. “He has played extremely well and is a real playmaker on our team. We will all support Cooper during his recovery, which will continue into the new year."

Iowa will undoubtedly miss DeJean's play-making ability in the final two games as it hopes to lock up a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. If the Hawkeyes defeat either Illinois (5-5) or Nebraska (5-5) in the next two weeks, they'll head to Lucas Oil Stadium for the second time in three seasons.

Purdue Lands 4-Star Guard Gicarri Harris

Matt Painter continues to bring talent to West Lafayette. Purdue received huge news on Wednesday, with four-star guard Gicarri Harris announcing his commitment.

Harris is the son of Boilermaker legend and 1994 National Player of the Year Glenn Robinson. He received offers from 16 other programs.

While Purdue has proved to be a consistent program under Painter during the course of the regular season, the team has struggled in March. The Boilers have made efforts to add better shooters and bring in more athleticism to address those concerns. 

Harris' commitment certainly gives the program a boost.

With Harris' pledge this week, Purdue now owns the seventh-ranked recruiting class, per 247Sports. He is the third four-star prospect to commit to the Boilermakers, along with guard Kanon Catchings and forward/center Raleigh Burgess.

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