Michigan State Expected to Fire Coach Jonathan Smith After 2 Seasons
BREAKING: Michigan State University is expected to fire head football coach Jonathan Smith after only two seasons, according to a report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel. This decision is anticipated to be announced on Sunday, just one day after the Spartans ended an eight-game losing streak with a 38-28 victory against Maryland at Ford Field.
The Spartans concluded the season with a disappointing 4-8 record, prompting speculation about Smith’s future. Despite this recent win, Smith’s overall record at Michigan State stands at 9-15, raising questions about his leadership and the future direction of the program. Athletic director J Batt has not commented on the situation, leaving fans and stakeholders in suspense.
This impending dismissal follows over a month of uncertainty regarding Smith’s status. After the victory on Saturday night, Smith expressed uncertainty about his future, mentioning he expected to speak with Batt soon. However, Batt left the field without addressing the media, further intensifying the atmosphere of speculation surrounding the program.
Firing Smith at this juncture would impose a significant financial burden on the university, estimated at over $30 million to buy out his seven-year, $52.85 million contract signed in November 2024. The contract stipulates that Smith is owed 85% of the remaining amount, not including payments for assistant coaches and support staff.
Smith’s tenure marks the shortest for a full-time head coach at Michigan State since Harry Kipke in 1928. His abrupt exit highlights the growing trend of high-profile coaching changes, with other notable firings occurring recently, including James Franklin at Penn State and Brian Kelly at LSU.
The internal dynamics at Michigan State have been challenging, especially following the tumultuous end of the Mel Tucker era. Smith was initially brought in by former athletic director Alan Haller, who sought a program builder to rejuvenate the team after a disastrous previous season. Haller’s departure earlier this year has left the program in a state of flux, with Batt now navigating a rapidly changing landscape.
During his short stint, Smith faced immense pressure to improve the team’s performance. After a promising start to the season, including a 3-0 record and a thrilling double-overtime win against Boston College, the Spartans faltered, dropping seven of their final nine games. This disappointing finish has led Michigan State to seek yet another head coach, marking the program’s third coaching search since Mark Dantonio unexpectedly retired in February 2020.
As Michigan State prepares for a coaching overhaul, the implications extend beyond the field. The program, once a national power, has struggled to regain its footing, with only one winning season in the last decade. The upcoming weeks will be critical as the university seeks to find a replacement who can restore hope and competitiveness to Spartan football.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Michigan State makes a significant decision that could reshape the future of its football program.
