Michigan State dismisses head coach Jonathan Smith after 2 seasons, brings in former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald

After two seasons at the helm, Jonathan Smith has been dismissed as Michigan States head football coach. The Spartans announced Smiths departure on Sunday following a 4-8 season that included a late win over Maryland, ending an eight-game losing streak.

Athletic Director J Batt commented, "The 2025 season did not meet the standards we expect for Michigan State football. While the responsibility does not rest solely on Coach Smith, a coaching change is necessary to guide the program in a new direction. We are grateful to Coach Smith for representing the university with dignity and for the teams effort during a challenging season."

Smith becomes the second Big Ten coach to be dismissed in 2025, following Penn States James Franklin. Both programs entered Week 12 with 3-6 records, aiming for a bowl-eligible finish. While Penn State recovered with a win over Rutgers, Michigan State was unable to do the same.

The university quickly moved to fill the vacancy, signing a five-year contract with former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald, according to reports by Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger.

During his tenure, Smith led the Spartans to a 9-15 record. Most of the teams losses were by wide margins, with only close defeats against Minnesota (23-20 in overtime) and Iowa. Michigan State went more than a year without a Big Ten win, continuing a trend from the 2024 season when the team finished 5-7.

Smith had joined Michigan State after successful seasons at Oregon State, where he achieved three consecutive winning years and a combined 18 victories in 2022 and 2023. Despite this, he was unable to replicate similar progress at Michigan State, the programs third head coach since Mark Dantonio retired in 2019.

The Spartans have struggled since Mel Tuckers tenure, winning only 17 games since 2021 and facing NCAA sanctions. Michigan State will miss a bowl game for the fourth straight season, marking the longest drought in over four decades.

Pat Fitzgerald, a former Northwestern linebacker and head coach, had been out of coaching since his dismissal in 2023 amid hazing allegations. Fitzgerald settled a wrongful termination lawsuit with Northwestern, asserting he was unaware of any misconduct. He previously led the Wildcats to three 10-win seasons and 10 bowl appearances over 17 years, with a peak ranking of No. 10 in 2020, though the program declined in his final seasons, finishing 1-11 in 2022 and 3-9 in 2021.

Author: Sophia Brooks