Michigan State Football: Five Immediate Actions for Pat Fitzgerald

Michigan State football fans are hoping that November 30^th, 2025 goes down as a day of remembrance. Within a few hours of firing Jonathan Smith as head coach, multiple sources reported that the Spartans had their replacement lined up.

Former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald is the guy. The winningest coach in Northwestern history, and one of the most respected coaches in the game is headed to East Lansing.

Fitzgerald inherits a mess of a situation. The Spartans, as a program, are at their lowest point in decades. But every rebuild has to start somewhere. And because I’m sure Fitzgerald is looking for advice, I thought I’d offer some for free. Here are five immediate actions that Pat Fitzgerald should take as MSU’s new coach.

1. Recruit the Current Roster

The speed with which this agreement came together makes it obvious that this had been an ongoing negotiation for weeks, if not months. That’s helpful, because unlike most new coaches, Fitzgerald hasn’t had a team of his own to coach. He’s had the time to study and evaluate Michigan State football’s existing roster.

He should be walking into the building with an idea of the MSU players that are a priority to keep. Just because the team went 4-8 does not mean that it’s completely devoid of talent. Quarterback Alessio Milivojevic should be one of those priorities. As should receiver Nick Marsh, linebacker Jordan Hall, and a few others. Granted, Marsh has announced his intentions to enter the portal, and it does not seem likely he is returning.

Taking care of the existing Spartans does two things. First, it reinforces the idea that Fitzgerald means what he says when it comes to developing, retaining, and rewarding from within. Secondly, it gives him a head start on establishing the culture he wants at MSU. Because in addition to the talent these players have, they also bring experience. That leadership is vital when it comes to starting from scratch.

2. Keep Defensive Coordinator Joe Rossi

Rossi was named the interim coach on Sunday after Smith’s firing. That title won’t last long. But I’m also not sure it should be completely ignored. Rossi initiated a stunning turnaround with the Spartan defense over the second half of the season.

His move down to the sidelines for games seemed to work wonders for a unit that struggled mightily in September. Despite the trying season, Rossi won fans over with his passion and intensity. And despite the lost season, his defenses continued to fight and kept MSU in some games late in the season.

Rossi’s success at Minnesota, combined with his time at MSU, make him a strong candidate for a spot on Fitzgerald’s staff. His personality should play well with the fiery Fitzgerald. And after two so-so seasons in East Lansing, I’m not sure Rossi will have significant interest elsewhere.

Keeping Rossi could also help Fitzgerald recruit the current roster. The players clearly played hard for Rossi, and may be more willing to stick around if a familiar face remains in the building.

3. Reconnect with Former Spartans

Maybe we’re spoiled with the way Tom Izzo reconnects with players from the past. But the contrast between the football program and basketball program when it comes to player outreach is night and day.

Even though it may feel forced since Fitzgerald didn’t coach any of the Spartans from the past, it’s necessary to rebuild the MSU brand. As an outsider, there’s plenty that he can learn from the Spartan greats. And having those players around the facility, attending practice, only helps with recruiting.

Fitzgerald faced off against many of Mark Dantonio’s best teams. He knows the players that made the biggest impact in those games. Get their support back. Be the initiator. It’s the only way to start to make Michigan State football start to feel like a family.

4. Emphasize the Importance of Beating Michigan

Jonathan Smith may have thought he understood what the rivalry with Michigan meant. But as we saw over the course of two years, there was a gap between his understanding and reality. As a Big Ten guy, Fitzgerald should have a better idea of what that rivalry means to MSU fans.

But he needs to go out of his way to say it. Wherever and whenever he can, he needs to begin to embrace that challenge. Fair or not, that game sways the opinion of people regarding the coach. Even Mel Tucker, who was a disaster for MSU, will be remembered slightly better because of his two wins against the Wolverines.

Fitzgerald doesn’t need to come up with any sayings. There doesn’t need to be a gimmick. He just needs to meet fans where they’re at when it comes to their feelings about the Michigan Wolverines. Fitzgerald himself turned down Michigan during a coaching search in 2011, so there will be extra “juice” added into the rivalry from both sides, as if it needed that.

And it’s important, because this is a Michigan program that is not invincible. In fact, they’re vulnerable. Michigan State, with all their problems the past two seasons, hasn’t been outclassed in that game. A renewed emphasis on the rivalry could be enough to get MSU back in the win column.

5. Make Yourself Available

Pat Fitzgerald, naturally, is a great communicator. It’s what made him an effective leader at Northwestern. Because of that, this last ask shouldn’t be difficult for him. We didn’t hear or see much of Jonathan Smith outside of football season.

Fitzgerald needs to change that. He should be present around campus, supporting other sports. He should be active in the media, doing what he can to generate interest in Michigan State football.

But it’s not just about appearances, either. There needs to be some substance to his words when he speaks. Communicating his plan, vision, and his identity for Michigan State football should help everybody get on board.