Michigan State to fire Smith with potential replacement in mind

Michigan State Spartans head coach Jonathan Smith. Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

Michigan State to fire HC Jonathan Smith with potential replacement already in mind

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Nov 30, 2025 3:04 PM ET

A disappointing season for the Michigan State Spartans is reportedly leading to a coaching change.

According to On3's Pete Nakos, Michigan State is firing head coach Jonathan Smith. Per Nakos, a team meeting was scheduled for 2:45 p.m.

Failed tenure

Smith spent just two seasons with the Spartans, posting a 9-15 overall record (4-15 if accounting for vacated wins) and winning just four of 18 conference games across the two seasons.

Michigan State got off to a 3-0 start this season before losing eight of its final nine games to finish below .500 for a fourth consecutive season.

BREAKING: #MichiganState is firing head coach Jonathan Smith, sources have confirmed.

I’m hearing that new athletic director J Batt has a candidate in mind, so I don’t anticipate a national coaching search. Things will likely move fast.

Intel: https://t.co/aIFbmNSl4O (FREE) pic.twitter.com/rD0KlfS04x
— Justin Thind (@JustinThind) November 30, 2025

Replacement already in mind?

With Early National Signing Day on Wednesday, it will be important for Michigan State to move fast in hiring its new coach, and that is reportedly taking place.

According to CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz, former Northwestern Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald is expected to be a person of interest for the coaching vacancy.

Fitzgerald compiled 110 wins in his 17 seasons at Northwestern, but he has not coached since the 2022 season due to a hazing scandal. A lawsuit filed by Fitzgerald against Northwestern has since been settled.

Fitzgerald to the Spartans would put him back in the conference where he's spent his entire head-coaching career. He is still considered among the best coaches and recruiters in college football, and a move to hire him from Michigan State could be what's needed to return to national relevance in 2026 and beyond.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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