Michigan State’s Next Move: Is Pat Fitzgerald the Surprising Dark Horse to Replace Jonathan Smith?

So here we are, folks — the Michigan State Spartans wrap up their 2025-26 season with a disappointing 4-8 record, but hey, they managed to pull off a win against Maryland in Week 14 to end on a somewhat high note . Yet, it seems the biggest shakeup is just beginning off the field. After just two seasons, Jonathan Smith gets the boot, and let me tell you, the rumor mill is spinning faster than ever, naming Pat Fitzgerald—yes, the former Northwestern head honcho—as the frontrunner to take the reins. Is this the change Spartan fans have been yearning for, or just another pass in a long, grueling game? Only time will tell, but one thing’s clear: Michigan State is ready to rewrite the playbook. LEARN MORE.

The Michigan State Spartans football program ended the 2025-26 season with a 4-8 record after defeating the Maryland Terrapins 38-28 in Week 14. However, it sounds like the program is making a change at head coach, and rumors are top candidate is already emerging.

Michigan State announced that it is firing Jonathan Smith as head coach, according to Matt Zenitz, Corey Robinson, Justin Thind, and Richard Johnson of CBS Sports. His time with the Spartans comes to an end after just two seasons.

“Michigan State is firing head coach Jonathan Smith, sources tell me, Corey Robinson, Justin Thind, and Richard Johnson for CBS Sports.”

Rumors are already speculating that Pat Fitzgerald, who was let go by the Northwestern Wildcats in 2022, is one of the leading candidates for the Michigan State job, per Zenitz, Robinson, and Thind of CBS Sports. Nothing is set in stone, but it sounds like the Spartans have their eyes set on at least one candidate.

“Ex-Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald is expected to be a person of interest for the Michigan State head coaching opening, sources tell me, Corey Robinson and Justin Thind for CBS Sports. Posted 110 wins at Northwestern and was the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year in 2020.”

This story is currently developing, and more information will be published soon.

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