Michigan State recently parted ways with head football coach Jonathan Smith after a challenging second season, finishing with a 4-8 record. That leaves him with an overall record of 4-15 with the Spartans, if we include some vacated wins from the earlier Mel Tucker era.
Before joining Michigan State, Smith brought Oregon State back to competitiveness, finishing with a 34-35 record over six seasons. His time there saw steady improvement, culminating in a 10-3 season in 2022, where the team even earned a rank of No. 17 nationally. Yet, that momentum didn’t carry over to East Lansing. His initial season at Michigan State ended at 5-7, and the recent season saw even fewer victories.
In discussing his job status before the last game, Smith had a candid moment. He mentioned ongoing talks with athletic director J Batt regarding his future. “We continue to converse through the week,” he said, hinting at the uncertain landscape of college football coaching. “It’s a week-to-week thing.”
Smith pointed out missed chances that could have changed the season’s outcome, specifically losses to Iowa and Minnesota. “If we flip those results, we’re 6-6, and we’re bowling,” he noted. Yet, he acknowledged that the team simply didn’t secure those wins.
Interestingly, there’s a trend among college football programs, where coaching changes are more common than before. According to a recent report by the NCAA, about 30% of college football head coaches change every year. This indicates the pressure coaches face to perform, especially in high-stakes programs like Michigan State.
Fans have voiced their opinions online, with some expressing disappointment over missed opportunities this season while others show support for Smith’s vision for the program. Social media sentiment often reflects the highs and lows of a team’s performance, sparking discussions about coaching strategies and player development.
As Smith moves on, Michigan State faces another crucial period. The stakes are high, and both fans and university leadership will be eager to see how the program evolves in the upcoming seasons.
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Jonathan Smith (97 – Glendora)
