Michigan State is hiring Pat Fitzgerald to fill its coaching vacancy, the university announced Monday. The Spartans acted quickly to replace former coach Jonathan Smith, who was fired Sunday afternoon after two seasons in East Lansing.
Fitzgerald was initially reported as a top target in Michigan State’s search. This will mark a return to the Big Ten for the 50-year-old coach, who spent 17 seasons at Northwestern from 2006-22. He has not coached at the collegiate level since.
“I am honored to be named the head football coach at Michigan State University,” Fitzgerald said in a statement. “I’d like to thank President (Kevin) Guskiewicz and athletic director (J) Batt for this opportunity. This is a program with a deep and storied tradition, a passionate fan base, and a commitment to excellence that extends far beyond the football field. What excited me most about this opportunity was the vision for what Michigan State can be for years to come. We will restore tradition, and I’m eager to earn the trust of our players, alumni, and fans while competing at the highest level.”