Image by Michigan State University
Pat Fitzgerald will be Michigan State’s next head coach, the school’s 27th overall, upon approval by the Board of Trustees on December 12th.
The 2008 College Football Hall of Fame inductee played four years as a linebacker for Northwestern, earning consensus All American twice, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year twice and led the Wildcats to back-to-back Big Ten Championships. He is the winningest coach in Northwestern history, with 110 wins over 17 seasons as head coach. In total, Fitzgerald gave 26 years to the school, as a player, position coach and recruiter, and head coach. He was fired in July 2023 under allegations of hazing, but Fitzgerald sued the school for wrongful termination, a suit Northwestern settled.
“I am honored to be named the head football coach at Michigan State University,” said Fitzgerald. “I’d like to thank President Guskiewicz and Athletics Director Batt for this opportunity. This is a program with a deep and storied tradition, a passionate fan base, and a commitment to excellence that extends far beyond the football field. What excited me most about this opportunity was the vision for what Michigan State can be for years to come. We will restore tradition, and I’m eager to earn the trust of our players, alumni, and fans while competing at the highest level.”
The Spartans football program needed the change, with records of 4-8, 5-7, 4-8 and 5-7 the past four years. Fitzgerald may be a surprise pick, however. His last four years at Northwestern produced records of 1-11, 3-9, 7-2 and 3-9.
Michigan State considered the full scope of Fitzgerald’s resume, however.
According to an MSU press release, “Over 17 seasons as the head coach at Northwestern University, Fitzgerald won 110 games, while guiding the Wildcats to 10 bowl games, five AP Top 25 finishes and a pair of appearances in the Big Ten Football Championship Game after winning the Big Ten West Division title in both 2018 and 2020. He was named the 2018 Big Ten Coach of the Year, and in 2020, won the Dodd Trophy Coach of the Year Award after leading the Wildcats to a No. 10 national ranking and a win in the Citrus Bowl over Auburn.”
What can MSU fans expect going forward?
“Today marks the beginning of a new era for Michigan State Football,” said MSU Vice President and Director of Athletics J. Batt. “Pat Fitzgerald is widely recognized as an exceptional football coach, whose teams play with extreme toughness and grit, demonstrate continual improvement and maximize potential. 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. His incredible passion will resonate throughout the program, connecting with all members of our Spartan community, including student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni and donors.”
Five games stand out next season as probable losses, but the Spartans could earn a bowl game in Fitzgerald’s first season. The team plays Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon, Washington and Nebraska. There will also be the emotional matchup with Northwestern. Other teams on the 2026 schedule include Toledo, Eastern Michigan, Illinois, Rutgers, UCLA and Wisconsin.
The new head coach will have his work cut out for him.
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