Pat Fitzgerald Hired As Next Head Coach Of Michigan State

In a move that has the college football world buzzing, Michigan State appears ready to roll the dice on a redemption story. Sources close to the program have indicated that former Northwestern Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald is the primary target to take over the Spartans, with a deal expected to be finalized soon.

Let’s just say this isn’t your typical coaching carousel spin. It’s more like a rollercoaster that’s been out of commission, just got a questionable safety inspection, and is now welcoming riders.

Fitzgerald’s Tumultuous Journey To East Lansing

Just a short while ago, Fitzgerald was embroiled in a messy divorce from Northwestern, the university he personified for 17 seasons. Fired amidst a troubling hazing scandal that rocked the program, Fitzgerald found himself on the outside looking in. He responded with a massive $130 million lawsuit, alleging wrongful termination and a tarnished reputation. That legal battle, which was set for a courtroom showdown, recently ended in a quiet settlement. The terms? Shrouded in mystery, but one thing is clear: Fitzgerald is free to coach again.

And Michigan State, a program that’s had its own share of turbulence, is ready to offer him the headset. It’s a bold, if not downright gutsy, move for a school desperate to find stability. After the Mel Tucker era imploded in a bizarre off-field scandal and the subsequent Jonathan Smith experiment lasted just two seasons, the Spartans are clearly tired of being a punchline.

Why This Move Makes a Weird Kind Of Sense

Athletic Director J Batt didn’t mince words when he fired Smith, stating the 2025 season “has not lived up to our shared standards.” With a 4-8 finish, that’s putting it mildly. Smith, who was lured from Oregon State with high hopes, is now walking away with a hefty $30 million buyout after a dismal 9-15 record. Ouch.

Enter Fitzgerald. Before his unceremonious exit, “Fitz” was the heart and soul of Northwestern football. He was the All-American linebacker who led the Wildcats to a fairytale Rose Bowl appearance in 1995. As a coach, he defied the odds, leading a brainy private school to two Big Ten West titles and five bowl wins. He’s a Big Ten lifer who knows how to build a tough, disciplined culture—something the Spartans have been sorely missing.

But the baggage is heavy. The hazing allegations are serious, and while Fitzgerald has denied any wrongdoing, the shadow of that scandal will follow him to East Lansing. It’s a public relations tightrope walk for Michigan State, betting that Fitzgerald’s proven track record and hunger for a second chance will outweigh the controversy.

For Fitzgerald, this is more than just a new job; it’s a shot at rewriting his legacy. For Michigan State, it’s a high-risk, high-reward gamble to escape the coaching purgatory they’ve been stuck in. Will it work? Who knows. But one thing’s for sure: Spartan football just got a whole lot more interesting.