David Braun Makes Strong Statement After Fake Punt on 'Philosophical' Change

Ryan Cole

Oct 20, 2025, 22:52

Ryan Cole

Oct 20, 2025, 22:52

Updated at: Oct 20, 2025, 22:52

David Braun is growing as a head coach, and he made a major statement about a change in philosophy this year.

Northwestern head coach David Braun has a bit of a bizarre resume so far in his 2.5 year tenure.

Year one was a season a movie could be made about. With the interim tag slapped next to his name, Braun led a team that many figured wasn't capable of winning more than two games to a bowl victory over Utah.

It was an inspiring season to watch. Braun was put into an impossible situation right out of the gates, and he still managed to get the best out of that group. Understandably, expectations were to compete at the same level once again the next season.

That isn't how the 2024 season played out. Instead, without a solid quarterback leading the offense, Braun's 'Cats went just 4-8. Braun's locker room presence and leadership skills have never really been in doubt. But, throughout last season, questions emerged about the young coach's handle on in-game management.

A defensive coach at heart, it felt like Braun wasn't listening to analytics about going for it on fourth down. It felt like there were field goals being kicked at times when the team really needed a touchdown.

Braun took some heat in the media for that. His lack of aggression was a big talking point throughout the offseason.

It's been different this year. Braun seems more willing to go for it on fourth down. He seems more willing to let offensive coordinator Zach Lujan air it out sometimes and go for the big shot. It's paid off, and his Wildcats now sit at 5-2 after shutting out Purdue 19-0 this weekend.

One thing Braun did take a little heat for after the game was a failed fake punt in the first half.

"I was really upset with myself afterwards ... felt like we had a really good look against a team that looks to block punts. The look we got was great. Ultimately, their corner had vision on the football and abandoned his responsibility and made a good play."

While the play didn't work, and it could have set Northwestern back had Purdue capitalized on field position, it exemplifies the adjustments Braun has made as a coach this season.

"That's not a decision I make last year ... I've stated philosophically this is how we're going to operate. No more sitting on our heels and letting opponents stress us. We're going to find ways to stress our opponents."

That's a powerful statement from a head coach who's trying to get the word out -- his team is going to come after you. They're going to be aggressive, and they're going to apply as much pressure as they possibly can.

That's probably a refreshing sentiment to hear for Northwestern fans who felt their head coach had some room for improvement after last season.

David Braun Makes Strong Statement After Fake Punt on 'Philosophical' Change