Livestream: Pat Fitzgerald’s Press Conference at MSU Football

Michigan State University (MSU) welcomed Pat Fitzgerald as its new head football coach in a press conference held on Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET. The event marked both Fitzgerald’s introduction and his 51st birthday. He officially signed a five-year contract with MSU, solidifying his role as the 27th coach in the program’s history.

Background on Pat Fitzgerald

Pat Fitzgerald has an extensive coaching history, having anchored the Northwestern football program for 17 years. Under his leadership, the Wildcats achieved a record of 110 wins and 101 losses. The team made two appearances in the Big Ten championship games in 2018 and 2020, while also securing 10 victories on three separate occasions. However, his tenure ended controversially ahead of the 2023 season due to hazing incidents within the program.

Fitzgerald’s Vision for MSU Football

In a statement released Monday, Fitzgerald expressed enthusiasm about his new position. He highlighted the potential of MSU football and pledged to restore the team’s tradition, aiming to build trust among players, alumni, and fans alike.

Coaching Changes at MSU

• Fitzgerald succeeds Jonathan Smith, who was let go after a disappointing season with a 4-8 record.
• He is the fourth coach since Mark Dantonio’s abrupt retirement in February 2020.
• This appointment represents a significant decision for athletic director J Batt in his inaugural year.

Community and Program Impact

J Batt praised Fitzgerald’s coaching capabilities, emphasizing his toughness and ability to foster improvement. Batt noted Fitzgerald’s connections in the Midwest and his alignment with the core values of MSU’s football program. Fitzgerald’s passion is anticipated to resonate with all facets of the Spartan community, including players, staff, alumni, and supporters.

NCAA Status and Future Challenges

MSU is currently navigating through three years of NCAA probation. The university has vacated all 14 wins achieved during the 2022-2024 seasons due to compliance issues from the previous coaching staff. Fitzgerald will need to address these challenges while steering the program towards a successful future.

Michigan State football fans can look forward to the developments under Fitzgerald’s leadership. As the coach embarks on this new journey, he aims to elevate the Spartans back to prominence in the Big Ten Conference.