The Michigan State Spartans’ search for a head coach to replace Mel Tucker and Harlon Barnett is finally over. Current Oregon State Beavers head coach Jonathan Smith is taking his talent to Michigan State instead, where he’ll fill their current coaching vacancy.
Michigan State officially announced the hiring by revealing the news on X on Saturday.
Smith becomes the football program’s 26th head coach and is set to be introduced to the press next week.
For now, here is a statement released by Michigan State after the hiring was announced.
“Today is an exciting day for Michigan State as we welcome Jonathan Smith, wife Candice, and children Robert, Bella and Charles to our Spartan family,” said MSU Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Alan Haller. “Jonathan has a proven track record of success, building the Oregon State program from the ground up by implementing a plan resulting in sustained historic success for the Beavers. He’s been a part of championship staffs, coached in the College Football playoff, and understands what’s required to be successful at the highest level, learning from some of the game’s most successful coaches.
Michigan State statement on Jonathan Smith hiring
He’s led Oregon State to a 34-35 record across six seasons, going 1-1 in bowl games. Smith’s coming off an 8-4 season with the Beavers, which included wins over Utah and UCLA, both ranked opponents. His success with Oregon State even led to the program being ranked as high as 11th in the AP college football rankings this season, and now he’ll look to take the Spartans even further.
Smith has an extensive history working closely with quarterbacks, and now his next task will be trying to get the most out of Michigan State’s signal-callers, too.