Although Fitzgerald was the only football staff member fired in July 2023, Bajakian claims that the university's response "created, perpetuated and encouraged a false and misleading narrative" about his conduct and others on the staff, and was only done in response to heavy media pressure. Bajakian served as Northwestern's offensive coordinator for the previous four seasons after holding coordinator and/or quarterbacks coach roles with Boston College, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee, Cincinnati and Central Michigan.

According to the lawsuit, Bajakian lost the chance to have his contract renewed, could not land comparable employment and suffered reputational damage.