Michigan State Football has a new leader. The university officially announced the hiring of Pat Fitzgerald as head football coach on December 1, 2025, marking a significant turning point for the storied program. Fitzgerald, who spent 18 seasons building Northwestern into a competitive Big Ten powerhouse, is tasked with restoring the Spartans to championship contention.
A Proven Big Ten Veteran Takes the Helm
Fitzgerald brings
extensive Big Ten experience to East Lansing, having established himself as one of the conference's most respected coaches during his tenure at Northwestern. His track record speaks for itself: he led the Wildcats to multiple bowl appearances, including back-to-back 10-win seasons in 2012 and 2015, when Northwestern finished ranked No. 17 and No. 23 in the AP Poll respectively.
Beyond wins and losses, Fitzgerald earned recognition for his character and community impact. In 2021, he became just the
second Big Ten coach to receive the Stallings Award, an honor given annually to Division I head coaches for their contributions to their communities and on-field achievements.
What Attracted Fitzgerald to Michigan State
In his statement, Fitzgerald emphasized his excitement about the program's potential and tradition. "This is a program with a deep and storied tradition, a passionate fan base, and a commitment to excellence that extends far beyond the football field," he said. He specifically highlighted his desire to
"restore tradition" and compete at the highest level in the Big Ten.
Athletics Director Alan Batt praised the hire, noting that Fitzgerald's
"teams play with extreme toughness and grit, demonstrate continual improvement and maximize potential." Batt also emphasized that Fitzgerald's deep Midwest connections and understanding of Big Ten football made him an ideal fit for the position.
What's Next for the Program
The hiring requires
formal approval from the MSU Board of Trustees, with the next scheduled meeting set for Friday, December 12, 2025. Once approved, Fitzgerald will begin the work of rebuilding a program that has faced significant challenges in recent years.
Fitzgerald's immediate priorities will likely include recruiting, retaining current players, and establishing a clear vision for how Michigan State can compete with elite Big Ten programs. His proven ability to develop talent and maintain program stability at Northwestern suggests he has the experience needed to navigate this transition.
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1.
Pat Fitzgerald Named Michigan State Head Football Coach2.
Michigan State Hires Ex-Northwestern Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald3.
Pat Fitzgerald Signs Contract to Be Next Michigan State Football Coach
Sources
1. Pat Fitzgerald Named Michigan State Head Football Coach
2. Michigan State Hires Ex-Northwestern Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald
3. Pat Fitzgerald signs contract to be next Michigan State football coach
