Coach David Braun's big contract extension set off a wild celebration at Northwestern's practice facility.
Northwestern football has one of college football's brightest young minds in the coaching profession in David Braun, who won Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2023 and has continued working to improve his program.
This past Thursday, word broke of Braun's contract extension, which runs through 2031 after previously running through 2028.
The news was shared with Northwestern's players by athletic director Mark Jackson, who has been at the forefront of infusions of cash and enthusiasm to the Wildcats' athletic program.
Jackson spoke highly of Braun as he joined players in celebrating the big news.
Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Northwestern Wildcats head coach David Braun watches game action against the Southern California Trojans during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images 'The Right Leader' for Northwestern
Jackson called Braun the right leader for Northwestern in a statement announcing his extension.
"David Braun is the right leader today for Northwestern football and for the years to come," he said. "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. He is everything that we need in a head coach."
Jackson took the news straight to the Wildcats' practice as he used a bit of misdirection to get players' attention. He painted the news as a "distraction," his vocal tone serious, as he addressed Northwestern's players.
"We've got something serious, a distraction," Jackson said. "And that distraction is, we're extending coach Braun through 2031," he continued, his tone becoming more upbeat as cheers broke out among his players.
Braun, Wildcats Face Big Test
Saturday night's 7:30 p.m. kickoff in Evanston between the Wildcats and Colorado Buffaloes looks like a compelling matchup for fans of the sport of college football, not just Big Ten and Big 12 fans.
Coach Braun's 1-0 Wildcats will face the 2-0 Buffaloes in a game that could morph into anything from a run-oriented defensive battle to a high-scoring shootout with big plays in the passing game.
Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis gave the Wildcats more to think about heading into the game with 366 passing yards against Weber State in Week 2, one week after Georgia Tech hindered that aspect of his game.
Northwestern has the passing game to outscore the Buffaloes led by Michigan State and Oregon State transfer Aidan Chiles. The stage is set for one of the most intriguing games on college football's non-conference schedule as two star-studded teams prepare to do battle on the gridiron in Evanston, Ill.
