Michigan State fires Jonathan Smith, moves to hire Pat Fitzgerald: Spartans reset after 4–8 season

Michigan State has made another sweeping change at the top of its football program. Less than two years after arriving to stabilize the post–Mel Tucker era, Jonathan Smith is out following a 4–8 campaign that included an 1–8 mark in Big Ten play and an eight-losses-in-nine-games slide after a 3–0 start. MSU officials confirmed the leadership change Sunday and, by Monday, multiple reports had the Spartans finalizing a five-year deal with former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald.

Why Michigan State moved on from Jonathan Smith

Smith’s tenure never found traction. In two seasons, the Spartans went 9–15 overall and 4–14 in conference games, missed bowls both years, and failed to notch a rivalry breakthrough. Off the field, the program faced the lingering drag of past NCAA issues and an NIL/recruiting arms race that outpaced results. Sources familiar with Smith’s contract expect MSU to owe roughly $33 million on the remaining term, underscoring how urgently the school wanted a reset before the portal window and early signing period.

Key pain points that drove the decision:

• Offensive identity: Frequent staff tweaks and quarterback instability left MSU near the bottom of the Big Ten in efficiency.

• Talent pipeline: Transfer hits were offset by depth gaps; high school recruiting momentum lagged.

• Fan and donor fatigue: Empty seats and muted NIL fundraising signaled eroding confidence.

Pat Fitzgerald to MSU: the appeal and the baggage

Pat Fitzgerald brings a Big Ten résumé few active coaches can match: 17 seasons as a head coach, multiple division titles, and a reputation for squeezing results from blue-collar rosters. His candidacy surged after he settled his wrongful-termination lawsuit with Northwestern this summer and declared he was ready to coach again. The settlement followed a hazing scandal that cost him his job in 2023; investigative materials did not establish that he knew of or directed the conduct, even as the university affirmed inappropriate behavior occurred within the program.

For Michigan State, the calculus is clear:

• Big Ten fluency: Fitzgerald knows the personnel footprints, portal dynamics, and week-to-week trench demands of the league.

• Cultural rebuild: His best teams were identity-driven—defense, discipline, situational football—traits MSU needs immediately.

• Stability vs. scrutiny: The hire invites renewed debate about past events; MSU will face questions on due diligence, player welfare, and oversight.

Roster triage: portal, recruits, and staff in the next two weeks

The transfer portal window and early signing period make this a now-or-never calendar. Expect three rapid moves if Fitzgerald is finalized:

1. Retention board: Meetings with starters and high-upside underclassmen to stem portal exits; clear role pitches for 2026.

2. Staff spine: A defensive coordinator and OL coach with Big Ten credentials are likely early appointments; continuity at strength/conditioning will be closely watched.

3. Recruiting triage: Flip targets in the Midwest; aggressive use of the portal for QB, left tackle, edge, and corner. MSU must also re-engage NIL collectives to compete for immediate-impact players.

What success looks like in Year 1

A realistic first-year blueprint under Fitzgerald would emphasize defensive floor-raising and a run-first identity while a long-term quarterback solution develops. In the expanded Big Ten, bowl eligibility (6–7 wins) with visible improvement in turnover margin, special teams, and late-game execution would mark progress. MSU’s fan base will also judge early on player experience and safety standards, given the context of Fitzgerald’s return.

Where this leaves Jonathan Smith

Smith departs with a buyout cushion but an uncertain next step. His track record at his previous stop proves he can build, but two shaky seasons in East Lansing narrowed his margin for error. A short reset as an offensive coordinator or analyst could precede another head-coaching shot.

Quick notes fans asked about

• MSU football today: Coaching transition is underway; expect official introductions and staff announcements within days.

• NFL games yesterday: Pro results don’t impact MSU, but several former Spartans saw snaps; portal and recruiting news will overshadow any alumni highlights this week.

• Schedule/2026 outlook: The new Big Ten slate is unforgiving; MSU’s early portal haul and OL/D-line acquisitions will be the clearest indicators of short-term upside.

Michigan State is betting that a seasoned Big Ten hand can halt a slide that outlasted multiple coaches. If the Fitzgerald deal closes, the next two weeks—portal diplomacy, staffing, and NIL coordination—will determine whether this reset finally sticks. Recent updates indicate the agreement is advancing; until a contract is announced and signed, details may evolve.