Michigan State Football parts Ways with Head Coach Jonathan Smith
Michigan State University has terminated the contract of head football coach Jonathan Smith, ending a brief and largely unsuccessful tenure in East Lansing. The move, confirmed by program sources to The Athletic, comes with a meaningful financial cost, as Smith’s buyout is estimated to be north of $30 million.
Smith’s departure follows two seasons with the Spartans,during which he compiled a 9-15 overall record. He was initially hired ahead of the 2024 season, signing a seven-year, $52.85 million contract, but failed to revitalize a program that has been in decline for the past decade.
The 2024 season proved particularly challenging for Smith and the Spartans. Despite a promising 3-0 start, the team spiraled into an eight-game losing streak, ultimately finishing 5-7 overall and 1-8 in Big ten play. A season-ending 38-28 victory over Maryland on Saturday offered a fleeting positive note, but was insufficient to salvage the season or Smith’s position.
Throughout his time at Michigan State, Smith struggled against top competition, posting an 0-6 record against ranked opponents. His teams were consistently outmatched in these contests, being outscored by a combined 139 points. A particularly low point came with a 38-13 loss to a previously 1-4 UCLA Bruins team. The Spartans also fell to their in-state rival, Michigan, in 2024.
smith inherited a program already facing considerable headwinds. His predecessor, Mel Tucker, was dismissed in 2023 amid allegations of sexual harassment and is currently engaged in a lawsuit against the university.Adding to the turmoil, the NCAA announced sanctions on November 16, resulting in the vacation of 14 wins from the 2022-2024 seasons due to illegal recruiting inducements. This included all five wins from Smith’s debut season. “I wasn’t aware the school was under NCAA inquiry when I was hired,” Smith reportedly told reporters after a 28-10 loss to Penn State on November 15.
Prior to arriving at Michigan state, Smith had built a strong reputation as a program builder during his six-year run at Oregon State.He transformed the Beavers from a 2-10 team to a 10-3 squad in 2022, culminating in a 30-3 victory over Florida in the Las Vegas Bowl and earning him Pac-12 Co-Coach of the Year honors.
Despite his struggles in East Lansing, Smith’s extensive coaching experience – spanning over 20 years and including roles as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Washington from 2014 to 2017 – is expected to generate interest from other programs. He has mentored 10 All-Americans, 22 NFL Draft picks, and has coached in 10 bowl games, including the 2016 College Football Playoff.
The firing of Jonathan Smith marks the latest chapter in a decade of downturn for Michigan State football, a period that began after the successful run of former head coach Mark Dantonio, who led the Spartans to three Big Ten championships and a College Football Playoff appearance. the program now faces the daunting task of finding a new leader to restore it’s former glory.
