Michigan State officially hires Pat Fitzgerald for football team

Michigan State University officially announced on Monday, December 1, that Pat Fitzgerald will take over as head coach of its football program. Fitzgerald, previously at Northwestern, becomes the 27th head coach in the history of Spartan football and the fourth since Mark Dantonio stepped down unexpectedly in 2020.

Turning 51 on Tuesday, Fitzgerald replaces Jonathan Smith, who was dismissed after finishing this season 4-8 and compiling a 9-15 record over two years. Today marks the start of a new chapter for Michigan State Football, said first-year MSU athletic director J Batt. Pat Fitzgerald is recognized as an outstanding coach whose teams demonstrate toughness, resilience, and consistent growth. He fits perfectly with our program, understands the Big Ten, and shares the values that define Spartan football. His passion will inspire everyone involved with the team, from players to alumni and donors.

Fitzgerald will formally be introduced as Michigan States head coach on Tuesday afternoon. His contract details were not immediately released, though reports indicate it spans five years. The hiring is pending approval by the MSU Board of Trustees at their December 12 meeting.

Michigan State has a rich football tradition, a devoted fan base, and a culture of excellence, Fitzgerald said. What excites me most is the long-term vision for this program. We will restore tradition, and I am committed to earning the trust of players, alumni, and fans while competing at the highest level.

A College Football Hall of Famer as a linebacker at Northwestern (1993-96), Fitzgerald coached at his alma mater from 2006-2022, achieving a 110-101 record. He was dismissed in July 2023 amid a hazing controversy, which Northwestern said involved inappropriate acts by players. Fitzgerald denied knowledge of the incidents and reached a settlement with Northwestern in August 2023. Evidence reportedly did not indicate he condoned or was aware of the actions.

Pat Fitzgerald exemplifies leadership in athletics, balancing competitive success, academic achievement, and student-athlete development, MSU president Kevin M. Guskiewicz said. His experience building disciplined, resilient teams makes him an ideal fit for Michigan State. I am confident that Spartan football will flourish both on and off the field under his guidance.

Historically, MSU has rarely hired coaches with prior Big Ten head coaching experience. The only other instance was Charlie Bachman, who led the Spartans from 1933 to 1946, posting a 70-34-10 record and later earning College Football Hall of Fame honors.

Fitzgerald has been out of college coaching for three seasons. During his tenure at Northwestern, his teams went 5-9 against Michigan State, with Northwestern finishing 4-20 in his last two seasons. Michigan State also navigated NCAA sanctions recently, vacating wins from 2022-24 and receiving three years of probation related to infractions under former coach Mel Tucker.

Author: Sophia Brooks