Northwestern alum Tim McGarigle was named the program’s Defensive Coordinator in anticipation of the 2024 season. He returned to Northwestern in 2018 as linebackers coach after serving as a graduate assistant in 2011 for the Wildcats.”

McGarigle’s bunch has been extremely productive for the Wildcats’ defensive unit. Heading into his senior season, Paddy Fisher leads all active players in forced fumbles with 10. Fisher enters the 2020 campaign with preseason All-America recognition from both Athlon Sports and Phil Steele. McGarigle has also been key in the play of Blake Gallagher, who led the ‘Cats in tackles in both 2018 and 2019. Gallagher’s 127 tackles during the 2018 season were the most in the Big Ten Conference.

During his first season back at his alma mater in 2018, McGarigle’s linebacker corps, three of his players earned All-Big Ten honors, including sophomore Paddy Fisher being named to the All-Big Ten first team. Fisher finished 8th in the conference with 116 total tackles and led the team with four forced fumbles. McGarigle’s unit also excelled at taking the ball away, his linebackers helped create 12 turnovers during the 2018 campaign.

During his college career with the Wildcats, McGarigle totaled a school and FBS-record 545 career tackles, (since 2000, when NCAA tackle records began). As a senior in 2005, he posted 156 tackles and was named a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award and the Dick Butkus Award. He totaled three consecutive 140-plus-tackle seasons after posting 98 in his debut. McGarigle earned his undergraduate degree in communications studies.

McGarigle was drafted by St. Louis in the seventh round (221st overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. After spending the 2006 season on the Rams’ practice squad, he played in 12 games in 2007, primarily on special teams.