Michigan State’s head coaching search has ended with the person who’d emerged as its most likely candidate.
The Spartans announced the hiring of Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith on Saturday, ending a stretch without a coach that started in late September when Mel Tucker was fired after sexual harassment allegations and an investigation.
“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,” Alan Haller, Michigan State’s Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, said in a statement. “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.
“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.”
The Detroit News reported that Michigan State, which lost 42-0 in its final game Friday against Penn State, fired its entire coaching staff.
Smith guided Oregon State to an 8-2 record — and, earlier in the season, 6-1 — and solidified their status as a College Football Playoff contender, but the Beavers suffered consecutive losses to Washington (22-20) and Oregon (31-7) to finish the regular season.
“As I start this next chapter of my coaching career, I want to first thank all the players, coaches, and colleagues I have worked with the last 6 years,” Smith wrote in a statement posted to X, in part. “I will cherish the memories and the friendships.”
With Michigan State, Smith will take over a program dealing with the lingering effects of Tucker’s scandal that started in early September when USA TODAY reported on the allegations that Brenda Tracy — a rape supervisor — brought to the university’s Title IX office in a complaint, accusing Tucker of sexual comments that he made without her consent.
Weeks later, Tucker was fired for cause and his 10-year, $95 million contract was terminated.
Secondary coach Harlon Barnett served as Michigan State’s interim coach throughout the rest of their 4-8 season.
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