"The Michigan State Spartans formally introduced Pat Fitzgerald as their new head coach this week, which came after the team dismissed Jonathan Smith. He led the team to a 9-15 record in his two seasons as head coach, including a 4-8 mark this year. For Fitzgerald, it's his first head coaching job since being fired by Northwestern in 2023 because of a hazing scandal. Fitzgerald was later vindicated after the school admitted he had no knowledge of the alleged misconduct. Fitzgerald will now look to usher in a new era of winning football for the Spartans, who last finished above .500 during the 2021 season."
"I was really inspired and encouraged by the words from Michigan State's new head football coach Pat Fitzgerald. I love the fact that he has a proven track record of success coaching in the Big Ten! He also has strong relationships with high school coaches all over the Midwest... - Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 2, 2025 Johnson is arguably the greatest basketball player to come out of Michigan State and he has been an avid supporter of his alma mater over the years."
Michigan State hired Pat Fitzgerald as its new head football coach after dismissing Jonathan Smith, who went 9-15 over two seasons. Fitzgerald returns to head coaching after being fired by Northwestern in 2023 amid a hazing investigation and later being vindicated when the school acknowledged he had no knowledge of the alleged misconduct. Fitzgerald inherits a program that has not finished above .500 since 2021 and will be tasked with restoring winning results. Earvin “Magic” Johnson, a notable MSU alumnus and Dodgers part-owner, publicly praised Fitzgerald and will serve as Grand Marshal of the Rose Parade on Jan. 1, 2026.
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