Michigan State football bringing in former All-Big Ten OL as assistant coach

After Pat Fitzgerald was hired by AD J Batt to be the head coach of the Michigan State football program, he stated that this was, “not a rebuild, but a rebirth”.

About two and half months have now passed, and Fitzgerald’s statement could not feel more true. The Spartans established their strategy out in the transfer portal with key additions at the running back and offensive line positions. It was clear when Fitzgerald and MSU defensive coordinator Joe Rossi hired Max Bullough as the Spartans linebacker coach, a former Spartan defensive captain who most say, embodies what it truly means to be a Spartan Dawg.

Fitzgerald’s plan is not to establish himself and the new way, but to go back to the old vision of Hall of Fame coach Mark Dantonio. Down in the trenches, hard-nosed football where Michigan State football will overpower you in close-game situations.

And if that was not clear enough for you, the hiring of former Michigan State All-Big Ten offensive lineman Matt Allen will clear it up.

Spartan letterwinner Matt Allen has returned to the team as a coach. He graduated in 2021, going out as part of the Peach Bowl-winning squad.

The Allen family has made multiple returns to MSU, with older brother Brian returning for the first day of spring practice last season. pic.twitter.com/36A0W5mwU8

— Emmett Matasovsky (@E_Matasovsky57) February 23, 2026

Allen was the center on Michigan State’s iconic 2021 team, featuring stars like Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III and Green Bay Packer Jayden Reed, and while these guys were crucial in the Spartans dominance, Allen was the captain on the offensive line, a line that pulled the weight and helped elevate Walker to the status he is remembered with today.

Allen started every game at center for the green and white and helped the Spartans dominate in the trenches.

Now, Allen is back in East Lansing to attempt to recreate what he experienced in 2021. Allen fits exactly what Fitzgerald is trying to establish in East Lansing with a run-first mentality and the ability to out-tough the Spartans opponents.

Allen is of course a member of the prestigious Allen family, (Brian and Jack), who were all great offensive lineman for Michigan State during the Dantonio and Mel Tucker eras.