Michigan State Football Coach Likely to Be Dismissed

Michigan State University may soon add itself to the list of college football teams in search of a new head coach. It appears that the decision to part ways with Jonathan Smith after just two seasons and 24 games is on the horizon.

As reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Michigan State is set to let go of Smith, whose record stands at a disappointing 1-8 in the Big Ten this season, culminating in an overall record of 4-8.

This tough season marks the university’s fourth consecutive losing year, something not seen since the five-year stretch from 1979 to 1983. The weight of this historical downturn is likely pushing the university toward a change.

Smith’s contract, lasting seven years, carries a hefty price tag of $33 million remaining owed to him.

During his two-year stint, Smith amassed a 9-15 overall record, including a 4-14 against Big Ten rivals. Intriguingly, one of those victories from the previous season was later vacated due to NCAA violations tied to former coach Mel Tucker.

With this change, Smith becomes the second Big Ten coach to lose his job following the 2025 season, joining the ranks of former Penn State coach James Franklin.

Hired in November 2023 under former athletic director Alan Haller, Smith now leaves a complex legacy. The fresh leadership of new athletic director J. Butt will now have the opportunity to seek out a more suitable candidate for a role that continues to shift in the college football landscape.

Notably, he will make history as the shortest-tenured head coach in the program’s timeline since Harry Kipke’s one-season tenure in 1928. Smith is now the third head coach to take the reins since Mark Dantonio’s retirement in 2019.

Before his time at Michigan State, Smith spent five years coaching at Oregon State, where he experienced growth, finishing with a 34-35 record, including his last three seasons filled with success and bowl game wins.