Michigan State football's new coach Pat Fitzgerald, center, holds up a jersey with MSU president Kevin Guskiewicz, left, and athletic director J Batt, right, during Fitzgerald's introductory press conference on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, at the Tom Izzo Football Building in East Lansing. Michigan State football's new coach Pat Fitzgerald, center, holds up a jersey with MSU president Kevin Guskiewicz, left, and athletic director J Batt, right, during Fitzgerald's introductory press conference on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, at the Tom Izzo Football Building in East Lansing.

Magic Johnson ‘Encouraged’ By Michigan State Hiring Pat Fitzgerald As New Football Coach

Originally posted on Dodger Blue | By Matt Borelli | Last updated Dec 6, 2025 10:20 AM ET

As the college football season draws to a close, several programs are in the process of making changes to their coaching staffs.

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.

Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Magic Johnson, who starred at Michigan State before getting drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, is excited to see what Fitzgerald can do for the football program.

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.

Johnson particularly has a close relationship with men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo, who so far has led the Spartans to an 8-0 record this season.

Magic Johnson to serve as grand marshal in Rose Parade

Johnson will serve as the Grand Marshal of the next Rose Parade, which is set for Jan. 1, 2026.

Sticking with tradition, Johnson will ride down Colorado Boulevard and help usher in the new year as the Grand Marshal of the Rose Parade. He will also participate in the pre-game ceremony at the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the 112th Rose Bowl Game.

This article first appeared on Dodger Blue and was syndicated with permission.

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