The last week of turmoil surrounding Northwestern’s football and baseball programs has thrown a spotlight on one key administrator — athletic director Derrick Gragg.

       The university fired longtime football coach Pat Fitzgerald on Monday in the wake of a hazing scandal. Now, the department is facing a similar choice after accusations of a toxic workplace and problematic behavior were levied against head baseball coach Jim Foster.

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       What is Gragg’s role in this tumultuous period for Northwestern athletics? Here’s what to know.

       How did Gragg get here? When Northwestern originally reached out to interview Gragg for the athletic director opening in spring 2021, he turned down the opportunity — decisively.