Michigan State University is undergoing significant changes in its football coaching staff this offseason, following the departure of head coach Jonathan Smith and the hiring of Pat Fitzgerald. Known for his successful tenure at Northwestern, Fitzgerald is now tasked with constructing a competitive coaching staff for the Spartans as he prepares for the upcoming season.
Fitzgerald has a budget of $12,120,000 to build his team, which includes three-year contracts for coordinators and strength coaches, and two-year contracts for 10 assistant coaches. As he reshapes the staff, some coaches are leaving, while others are returning to familiar roles and new faces are joining the fold.
One of Fitzgerald’s key appointments is Nick Sheridan, who has been named the offensive coordinator. Sheridan, currently involved in Alabama’s College Football Playoff run, has a noteworthy background as a former walk-on quarterback at Michigan and has coaching stints at Indiana, Washington, and Alabama. His hiring promises to bring a wealth of experience and insight to the Spartans’ offense.
Max Bullough has returned to Michigan State as the co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. A former two-time captain at MSU, Bullough was part of the team’s successful seasons from 2010 to 2013. His extensive experience includes coaching at Alabama and Notre Dame, making him a welcomed addition back to East Lansing.
The defensive line will be led by Winston DeLattiboudere, who previously coached at Minnesota and is transitioning from his role with the Arizona Cardinals. The strength and conditioning program will be in the capable hands of Joel Welsh, who brings 15 years of experience from Central Michigan, Iowa, and Delaware State.
Jacob Schmidt, a former running back for Fitzgerald at Northwestern, has been appointed as chief of staff, adding continuity and depth to the administration.
Among the coaches retained from the previous staff are Joe Rossi, who continues as defensive coordinator; Courtney Hawkins, who remains as wide receivers coach, bringing a wealth of experience; Brian Wozniak, who will keep coaching tight ends; and James Adams, who is retaining the safeties role.
However, the offseason has also seen some departures. Keith Bhonapha is leaving to coach the running backs at Cal, and Blue Adams is headed to Florida State, impacting the secondary coaching staff.
As Michigan State transitions under Fitzgerald’s leadership, the mix of seasoned returning coaches and new hires presents an opportunity for revitalizing the program and fostering a culture of growth and excellence on the field. The adjustments aim not only to enhance the team’s performance but to solidify Michigan State’s status as a competitive force in college football moving forward.