Northwestern coach 'very calculated' about bonding, activities - ESPN

EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern interim coach David Braun is taking a «very calculated» approach with off-field team activities this month, while still finding ways for players to bond and prepare for the season after a turbulent summer.

In response to hazing allegations within the program, Northwestern coaches and players went through mandatory anti-hazing training before practices began Aug. 3.

«We've had an opportunity to go through extensive education when it comes to hazing, as a team and as a staff,» Braun said Wednesday. «That education will continue. We're being very mindful of making sure that we find ways to allow this team to build and become cohesive and have fun in team meetings with music, making sure that this isn't an environment where it's just business. This team needs to come together.»

Northwestern is starting daily team meetings with competitions between position groups, which include basketball shooting and video games. Braun also said team meals have taken on greater meaning, and he will look for more opportunities to eat together off campus before the season begins Sept. 3 at Rutgers.

«We are very calculated in the fact that we've got to make sure that we move forward in appropriate manner,» Braun said.

Many of the hazing incidents listed in lawsuits filed by more than 10 former Northwestern players against the school allegedly occurred during preseason camp. Northwestern fired longtime coach Pat Fitzgerald on July 10 shortly after an investigation into hazing allegations within the program.

Braun, named interim coach July 13 after joining Fitzgerald's staff as defensive coordinator in January, said he was open to scheduling additional team-building events as time allows and is keeping «open