Dec. 20--The definition of insanity, Pat Fitzgerald often says, is trying the same thing and expecting different results.
Fitzgerald will test that theory with his latest decision: He will retain all nine assistant coaches, including embattled offensive coordinator Mick McCall, following a second straight 5-7 season.
NU finished 12th in the Big Ten and 101st nationally in scoring offense, at 23 points per game. The Wildcats' 4.5 yards per play was better only than Penn State's 4.49 among Big Ten teams.
In McCall's defense, Venric Mark left school during fall camp, and dependable receiver Christian Jones was lost to knee surgery. Northwestern played its final game without quarterback Trevor Siemian and receiver Kyle Prater due to injuries.
Still this decision will not satisfy the NU fans who believe Fitzgerald is either not operating with enough urgency or is too stubborn to make changes.
McCall will return for his eighth season.
tgreenstein@tribpub.com
Twitter @TeddyGreenstein
