EAST LANSING, MI — They say coaches are hired to be fired. For Jonathon Smith, he completed the circle on Sunday. Michigan State University announced Sunday that Smith will not return as head coach of the Michigan State football program for the 2026 season. The school is expected to name former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald as its next football coach with announcement coming later this week, according to various media sources.
Smith amassed an on-field record of 9-15 in two seasons on the Spartan sideline. He was hired in November 2023 following a six-year stint at Oregon State, where he guided the Beavers to three straight bowl game. MSU owes Smith $33 million for firing him.
Meanwhile, Fitzgerald was fired from Northwestern in 2023 amid a hazing scandal.
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