Pat Fitzgerald Appointed as Michigan State Head Football Coach
Pat Fitzgerald has been appointed as the head football coach at Michigan State University, a significant move announced by MSU Vice President and Director of Athletics J Batt. This announcement was made on Monday, with Fitzgerald set to be officially introduced as the 27th head football coach at a press conference scheduled for Tuesday at 3 p.m.
Press Conference Details
The press conference will take place on the Michigan State campus and will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network, as well as streamed on YouTube through Michigan State Spartans Athletics.
Fitzgerald’s Impressive Coaching Record
Fitzgerald comes with a proven track record from his 17 seasons as head coach at Northwestern University, where he achieved a remarkable 110 wins. Under his guidance, Northwestern appeared in 10 bowl games, achieved five AP Top 25 finishes, and won the Big Ten West Division title in both 2018 and 2020.
Awards and Recognition
- 2018 Big Ten Coach of the Year
- 2020 Dodd Trophy Coach of the Year
His accomplishments also include leading Northwestern to a No. 10 national ranking in 2020 and securing a win in the Citrus Bowl against Auburn, solidifying his reputation as one of the most successful coaches in Big Ten history.
MSU’s Vision for the Future
J Batt expressed optimism about Fitzgerald’s potential to elevate Michigan State Football. He emphasized Fitzgerald’s deep understanding of the Big Ten and highlighted his passion for building strong relationships within the community.
Community and Academic Achievements
Throughout his career at Northwestern, Fitzgerald has also prioritized academic success. His teams won seven American Football Coaches Association Academic Achievement Awards, the most in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) during his tenure. Notably, in 2019, the Wildcats were the first Power 5 team to achieve a 100 percent Graduation Success Rate.
Fitzgerald’s Background
Prior to coaching, Fitzgerald was a standout linebacker at Northwestern, where he won multiple prestigious awards and led the team to two Big Ten Championships. He began his coaching career at Maryland and Colorado before returning to Northwestern to mold their defensive strategies.
Family and Future Prospects
Fitzgerald is married to Stacy and they have three sons: Jack, Ryan, and Brendan. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Spartans, emphasizing the potential for reviving Michigan State’s storied football tradition.
Next Steps
The hiring of Fitzgerald must receive formal approval from the MSU Board of Trustees, with the next meeting set for Friday, December 12.
Fitzgerald’s leadership is expected to spark a new era for Michigan State Football, positioning the team for future championships at both the Big Ten and national levels.
