EAST LANSING (WWJ) - The Spartans are ready to shed the shroud of scandal and a dismal 2023 football season -- and they did so in one fell swoop on Saturday, announcing Oregon State's Jonathan Smith as their 26th head football coach while all current coaching staff were reportedly relieved of their duties.
The university revealed the decision to hire Smith, 44, in a post to its football website, stating the new coach will be introduced at a press conference on campus early next week.
Smith boasts an impressive resume, which includes being named the 2022 Pac-12 Co-Coach of the Year. Smith built Oregon State into one of the top teams in the conference, recently leading the Beavers, who were ranked as high as 11th in the College Football Playoff rankings this season, to an 8-4 record in the regular season and their third straight bowl appearance, a first for the program since 2006-09.
The Beavers have gone 25-13 the past three seasons under Smith, MSU stated, including a No. 17 ranking in 2022 and a win over Florida in the Las Vegas Bowl.
He also coached as an offensive coordinator at Washington in 2016 during College Football Playoffs.
"Today is an exciting day for Michigan State as we welcome Jonathan Smith, wife Candice, and children Robert, Bella and Charles to our Spartan family," said MSU Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Alan Haller. "Jonathan has a proven track record of success, building the Oregon State program from the ground up by implementing a plan resulting in sustained historic success for the Beavers. He's been a part of championship staffs, coached in the College Football playoff, and understands what's required to be successful at the highest level, learning from some of the game's most successful coaches."
On the field, his teams are tough and physical, yet innovative. This year, Oregon State has controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, ranking among the nation's leaders in both rushing offense and rushing defense. He's shown not only the ability to recruit talented student-athletes who fit his system, but also to develop and maximize players once they're in the program. At his core, he's a quarterbacks coach, and throughout his career he's been instrumental in the development of young quarterbacks, which is essential in today's college football landscape."
Beyond the football field, the Smith family will be an excellent addition to the entire Michigan State University community. Jonathan and Candice are excited to be invested community members and realize that Spartan football is just one part of the University's larger mission."With the Tom Izzo Football Building nearing completion, demonstrating our commitment to providing championship resources, and with the support of our passionate and loyal fan base, this is certainly an exciting time to begin a new era of Spartan Football. Jonathan has a great appreciation for the rich history and tradition of our program, and is committed to doing what's required to compete for championships at the Big Ten and national level."
The department stated Smith's hiring still requires formal approval from the MSU Board of Trustees at an upcoming meeting.
The news comes after the Detroit Free Press reported MSU athletic director Alan Haller relieved the current football coaching staff of its duties, including interim head coach Harlon Barnett, citing a source with direct knowledge of the decision.
Along with Barnett, ousted coaching staff includes offensive coordinator Jay Johnson and defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton, who was brought in with disgraced ex-coach Mel Trucker in 2020.
Special teams coordinator Ross Els, wide receivers coach Courtney Hawkins, tight ends coach Ted Gilmore, offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic, running backs coach Effrem Reed, defensive line coach Diron Reynolds, cornerbacks coach Jim Salgado and defensive analyst TJ Hollowell were also all reportedly dismissed.
Barnett and Hawkins are both former Spartan football players.