Michigan State Football Hires Jonathan Smith as New Head Coach in the Midst of Turmoil
In a blink of an eye, Michigan State football finds itself once again with a new head coach. The program has now experienced its third leadership change in just 77 days, as they welcomed Jonathan Smith to the helm. Smith, who previously coached at Oregon State, steps in for interim head coach Harlon Barnett, who took over after the firing of former coach Mel Tucker. As Smith embarks on his tenure at Michigan State, here are five key priorities that he must focus on to stabilize the program.
First and foremost, Smith must swiftly meet with the team and re-recruit the roster. He has a little over a week to evaluate the current players and ensure that they remain committed to the program before the transfer portal window opens. This task is particularly challenging, as some players have already used their one-time transfer exception, potentially limiting their options for transferring without sitting out a season.
Additionally, assembling a competent coaching staff is paramount for Smith’s success. While he is expected to bring some coaches from Oregon State, filling key roles, especially on offense, defense, and special teams, is essential. A stable coaching staff will provide reassurance to players who may be uncertain about their future with the program.
Smith must also address the fragile state of the 2024 recruiting class. Following Tucker’s departure, several recruits decommitted from Michigan State. Now, Smith must act swiftly to salvage the recruiting class, persuading some recruits to reconsider their decisions and potentially flipping others from Oregon State.
Furthermore, Smith may look to bring talent from his former team on the West Coast to join the Spartans. With the transfer portal set to open soon, there is a possibility that some Oregon State players may choose to follow Smith to Michigan State, bolstering the team’s depth and talent pool.
Finally, Smith needs to effectively navigate the complex world of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. Recent cancellations of NIL contracts with several football players by the university-approved collective Spartan Dawgs 4 Life has created unrest within the team. To maintain harmony and ensure everyone is on the same page, Smith must address any messy NIL situations promptly.
Michigan State football finds itself at a critical juncture with the hiring of Jonathan Smith. With a series of leadership changes behind them, the program is hopeful that Smith’s tenure will bring stability and success. By focusing on these five priorities, Smith has the opportunity to set the program on a positive trajectory and rebuild their reputation in the college football landscape.
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