Michigan State hires Fitzgerald as coach

Michigan State hired Pat Fitzgerald as its new head coach, the program announced Monday.

"Pat Fitzgerald is widely recognized as an exceptional football coach whose teams play with extreme toughness and grit, demonstrate continual improvement, and maximize potential," athletic director J Batt said in a statement.

"Pat is an excellent fit for Michigan State Football, as he understands the Big Ten, has great relationships throughout the Midwest, and embodies the values on which our program was built."

Fitzgerald signed a five-year contract with Michigan State, sources told ESPN.

The 50-year-old hasn't coached since the 2022 season. Northwestern fired him in 2023 in the aftermath of a hazing scandal.

He was the longest-tenured head coach in Northwestern football history, posting a 110-101 record from 2006-22 with his alma mater.

The Spartans dismissed Jonathan Smith on Sunday. Smith posted a 9-15 record over two seasons at Michigan State.

Fitzgerald inherits a team that went 4-8 in 2025, including 1-8 in a highly competitive Big Ten. The Spartans beat Maryland on Saturday to snap an eight-game losing streak.