Multiple sources, led by the Detroit Free Press, confirmed Sunday afternoon that Michigan State has hired former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald as the 26th head football coach in program history. The move comes less than 24 hours after the Spartans fired Jonathan Smith following a 4-8 season, marking one of the fastest coaching searches in modern college football.
Fitzgerald, 50, who was wrongfully terminated by Northwestern in July 2023 amid a hazing scandal (a settlement later acknowledged no evidence he was aware of or condoned the behavior), returns to the sideline with a chip on his shoulder and, crucially, unprecedented financial firepower behind him.
Sources tell The Detroit Free Press that a “major donor-driven financial milestone” will be announced as early as next week – widely believed to be a nine-figure commitment to NIL and program resources that instantly vaults Michigan State into the upper tier of Big Ten spending power. That war chest is expected to fuel an aggressive transfer portal assault starting December 9, with Fitzgerald already targeting high-end defensive talent and a veteran quarterback.
“Pat is a Midwest guy who builds tough, physical, disciplined teams,” one major booster told the Free Press on condition of anonymity. “With the resources we’re putting behind him, he won’t have the excuses he had at Northwestern. This is a championship-level investment.”
Fitzgerald’s 17-year run at Northwestern produced:
• 110 wins (most in school history)
• Two Big Ten West titles
• Five top-25 finishes
• 10 bowl appearances (from a program that had zero before he arrived)
He turned down overtures from both Florida and Penn State in recent weeks, sources say, because Michigan State offered full control, long-term security, and the financial muscle to compete immediately with Michigan, Ohio State, and the SEC transplants.
The hire will not come without controversy. The 2023 scandal still lingers in the national narrative, even after Northwestern’s settlement essentially cleared him. Some fan bases on social media quickly labeled it “a desperate move,” while others praised MSU for doing its homework and betting on a proven winner who was unfairly canceled.
Inside the building, the reaction has been electric. Players who remained after Smith’s departure were informed Sunday morning; several immediately posted cryptic green circle emojis and “Sparty’s back” messages on social media.
Fitzgerald is expected to be introduced at a press conference Tuesday or Wednesday. Early staff targets include retaining defensive coordinator Joe Rossi (if he wants to stay) and pursuing high-profile assistants from the ACC and Big 12 to pair with the incoming NIL windfall.
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