Tag

Jonathan Smith

All articles tagged with #jonathan smith

sports1 month ago

Michigan State to Hire Pat Fitzgerald as New Football Coach

Michigan State has fired football coach Jonathan Smith and is planning to hire Pat Fitzgerald, citing Fitzgerald's strong communication skills, Big Ten roots, and strategic vision as key advantages. The move reflects MSU's efforts to reinvigorate its football program with top donor support and alignment within the athletic department, aiming for higher competitiveness and program stability.

sports1 year ago

"Michigan State's New Offensive Coordinator Joe Rossi Makes Immediate Impact on Football Program"

Joe Rossi, the new defensive coordinator for Michigan State football, brings not only his defensive expertise but also his extensive experience in the Midwest to the team. With a background in coaching at Big Ten schools and a focus on recruiting in the Midwest, Rossi aims to continue building the Spartans' presence in the region. His decision to join Michigan State was influenced by the program's historical defensive success and his positive impression of head coach Jonathan Smith. Rossi's experience and regional ties are expected to play a crucial role in the team's rebuilding efforts under Smith's leadership.

sports1 year ago

"Michigan State Football's 2024 Recruiting Class Grows with Late Signings and Commitments"

Michigan State football's 2024 recruiting class now stands at 20 players after two more signings on national signing day, bringing the total to 20, including the 18 who signed on early signing day in December. The class is ranked No. 46 in the country, and the team also added preferred walk-ons. The new head coach, Jonathan Smith, has been active in recruiting and has also brought in 11 players through the transfer portal.

sports2 years ago

"Michigan State Football Staff Salaries Soar with New Additions"

Michigan State's new football coaching staff, led by head coach Jonathan Smith, has finalized their contracts, with three assistants set to make at least $1 million in 2024. Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi leads the way with a three-year deal worth $1.5 million, followed by offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren at $1.1 million, and offensive line coach Jim Michalczik at $1 million. The contracts for the remaining assistants include performance bonuses for team success, and the total staff salary pool is part of Smith's seven-year, $52.85 million contract.

sports2 years ago

Harlon Barnett Departs MSU, Pursues Coaching Opportunity Elsewhere

Harlon Barnett, who served as interim head coach for Michigan State after Mel Tucker's departure, has announced that he will not be returning as part of new head coach Jonathan Smith's staff. After 20 seasons at Michigan State, Barnett is looking for opportunities at other programs, either in college or the NFL. Despite hoping for a chance to continue as head coach, Barnett acknowledged that the team's 2-8 record during his tenure did not meet expectations.

sports2 years ago

Jonathan Smith's Impact on Michigan State Football: Filling Staff, Recruiting Success, and Restocking at Quarterback

Michigan State's new head football coach, Jonathan Smith, has already announced eight of his 10 on-field assistant coaches but is taking his time to fill the remaining two spots. Smith emphasized the importance of finding the right fit and mentioned that he brought six coaches with him from Oregon State. He also made a significant outside hire by bringing in Joe Rossi as the defensive coordinator. Smith has added staff members with Midwest ties, including wide receivers coach Courtney Hawkins, and is considering retaining Harlon Barnett, a former Michigan State star and interim coach. Smith is focused on finalizing the defensive side and addressing special teams but is not rushing the decision-making process.

sports2 years ago

Michigan State Football's Impressive Rebuilding Efforts: A Look at the 2024 Signing Class

Michigan State football's new head coach, Jonathan Smith, has made a strong start in rebuilding the team's recruiting class. Despite a late start, Smith was able to retain several committed players, bring in recruits from Oregon State, and flip others, including in-state linebacker Brady Pretzlaff and two quarterbacks. The team's recruiting class is currently ranked No. 38 nationally and No. 11 in the Big Ten. Smith also has five transfers lined up, including highly regarded quarterback Aidan Chiles. The coach plans to continue building the roster through the portal and the traditional signing period.

sports2 years ago

Michigan State Football's Impressive 2024 Recruiting Class: Who Signed, Flips, and Lands Top QB

Michigan State football's 2024 recruiting class includes a mix of talented players on both offense and defense. Standouts include ATH Andrew Brinson IV, WR Nick Marsh, and WR/DB Austin Clay, who possess versatile skills that could translate to multiple positions. The Luniewski twins, OL Charlton and OL Mercer, bring size and strength to the offensive line, while QB Alessio Milivojevic adds a strong arm and mobility. Other notable recruits include CB Jaylen Thompson, RB/LB Makhi Frazier, and ATH Keshawn Williams. Overall, the class showcases promising talent and potential for the future of the Michigan State football program.

sports2 years ago

Michigan State Football's 2024 Recruiting Class: Early Signings, Top Transfers, and Verbal Commits

Michigan State's new head football coach, Jonathan Smith, is preparing for the early signing period for the 2024 recruiting class. As of now, the Spartans have 13 committed players, with the class ranking 65th in the nation. Smith has inherited some commitments from the previous staff and has also added new recruits since taking over. He has focused on building relationships and has secured commitments from former players at Oregon State. The team is also targeting more prospects, including former Oregon State commits. Smith recognizes the importance of recruiting close to home and has made flips from MAC programs. The Spartans have also made transfer additions to the roster. Smith is open to using all avenues in building a competitive team.

sports2 years ago

Michigan State Football: Flipping Commits and Landing Top Targets

Michigan State football coach Jonathan Smith has successfully recruited wide receiver Austin Clay from Bowling Green, flipping his commitment just days before the early-signing period. Clay, a three-star recruit from Cleveland, is rated as the No. 74 player in Ohio and the 207th nationally as a receiver. This is part of Smith's efforts to rebuild the Spartans' recruiting class, with Clay being the sixth player to commit to MSU since last Tuesday.

sports2 years ago

Michigan State Secures Promising QB and Defensive Commitments for 2024 Class

Michigan State University has secured a commitment from three-star quarterback Alessio Milivojevic for their 2024 recruiting class. Milivojevic, who previously decommitted from Ball State, will provide depth at the quarterback position for the Spartans. This comes after all three scholarship quarterbacks on the roster transferred out following the hiring of new head coach Jonathan Smith. Milivojevic is the fifth player to commit to Michigan State this week and the only one not previously committed to play for Smith at Oregon State. The Spartans are looking to rebuild their 2024 recruiting class after losing several commits earlier this year.

sports2 years ago

Michigan State Secures Commitments from QBs Brinson IV and Milivojevic

Three-star defensive back Andrew Brinson IV and three-star quarterback Alessio Milivojevic have committed to Michigan State, following coach Jonathan Smith from Oregon State. Brinson, ranked as the No. 91 athlete nationally in his class, flipped his commitment and announced his decision on social media. Milivojevic, rated as the No. 67 quarterback in his class, also announced his commitment on social media. These additions continue the recruiting success for Michigan State since Smith's hiring.