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Get to Know the New Michigan State Football Coach, Jonathan Smith

By Anne Erickson
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Head coach Jonathan Smith of the Oregon State Beavers walks out to the field before the game against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

A new era at Michigan State University has arrived. The university has named Jonathan Smith the new MSU head football coach. I’m personally stoked about this move, as a graduate from MSU. Out of all the candidates MSU was considering, I felt Smith had the best record. I also felt he could bring the most to the Spartans.

The news of Smith coming to MSU broke Friday night (Nov. 24). However, MSU didn’t confirm it. Moreover, then news broke that his current home, Oregon State, was trying to re-sign him. Then, on Saturday (Nov. 25), MSU formally announced that Smith is the university’s new head coach.

“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,” MSU Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Alan Haller said in a press release from MSU. “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.”

The MSU press release praised Smith, stating, “On the field, his teams are tough and physical, yet innovative. This year, Oregon State has controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, ranking among the nation’s leaders in both rushing offense and rushing defense. He’s shown not only the ability to recruit talented student-athletes who fit his system, but also to develop and maximize players once they’re in the program. At his core, he’s a quarterbacks coach, and throughout his career he’s been instrumental in the development of young quarterbacks, which is essential in today’s college football landscape.”

Get to know the new Michigan State University head football coach Jonathan Smith with these fun facts below. What’s more, check out our NFL football pod here.

Get to Know the New Michigan State Football Coach, Jonathan Smith

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