New York, December 01, 2025
Michigan State University is moving forward with Pat Fitzgerald as its next head football coach following the dismissal of Jonathan Smith after two seasons with a 9-win record. The hiring decision aims to quickly revitalize a struggling program amid ongoing controversies.
Confirmed reports from multiple sources indicate that Michigan State has targeted Pat Fitzgerald for the head coaching position, although the university has yet to make an official announcement or disclose contract specifics. This comes shortly after the Spartans fired Jonathan Smith following limited success on the field.
Fitzgerald brings a long coaching resume highlighted by a 17-year stint at his alma mater, Northwestern University. During that time, he amassed a 110-101 record, secured two Big Ten West division titles in 2018 and 2020, and earned accolades including the Big Ten Coach of the Year and the Bobby Dodd National Coach of the Year Award in 2020.
His tenure at Northwestern ended abruptly in July 2023 amid a hazing scandal involving forced participation and inappropriate conduct. Fitzgerald denied prior knowledge of the incidents. Subsequently, he filed a wrongful termination lawsuit, which was resolved through a private settlement in August 2025.
Michigan State’s football program has faced significant challenges recently, including NCAA sanctions related to the 2022-23 season under former coach Mel Tucker. Tucker himself received a three-year show-cause penalty, accompanied by penalties against two staff members, adding to the program’s instability.
The decision to bring Fitzgerald onboard signals a high-stakes effort by Michigan State to restore competitiveness and address the reputational damage sustained in recent years. While Fitzgerald’s proven coaching ability is valued, the university must also navigate the sensitivities around his previous controversy as it seeks to rebuild.
As of now, details about Fitzgerald’s contract—such as length and salary—remain undisclosed. His return to the sidelines after three seasons off represents a pivotal moment for Michigan State football, reflecting both urgency and calculated risk in pursuing renewed success.