Title: Jonathan Smith Named Michigan State’s 26th Head Football Coach
Jonathan Smith, who has had a remarkable six-season tenure at Oregon State, has been named Michigan State University’s 26th head football coach. A press conference to introduce Smith will be held early next week on campus. Named the 2022 Pac-12 Co-Coach of the Year, Smith led Oregon State to new heights during his tenure, transforming the program into one of the top teams in the conference. Under his leadership, the Beavers achieved an 8-4 regular-season record, their third consecutive bowl appearance, and a No. 17 ranking in 2022. Smith’s impressive coaching has resulted in significant individual achievements for his players, as well as massive success for the team overall.
Michigan State Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Alan Haller said, “Today is an exciting day for Michigan State as we welcome Jonathan Smith to our Spartan family. Jonathan has created a culture of success at Oregon State and has proven that he understands what’s required to be successful at the highest level, as evidenced by the sustained historic success he achieved with the Beavers.”
Smith is distinguished for developing talent and players, having coached seven All-Americans during his Oregon State tenure. The team also experienced academic success under Smith’s leadership, with 151 Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll selections in his first five seasons. Off the field, Smith helped create a formidable home atmosphere, achieving an impressive 16-2 record at Reser Stadium over the last three years.
The 44-year-old’s remarkable work includes leading the Beavers to their first winning campaign and bowl appearance in eight years during the 2021 season, marking an essential turning point for the program. In addition, Smith has a proven track record of developing exceptional talent and guiding the team to victory. He also stressed the importance of the Spartan football family’s contribution to the broader mission of Michigan State.
In Further achievement, Smith, who was named the Pac-12 Co-Head Coach of the Year and the AFCA Region 5 Coach of the Year in 2022, and his team finished the season ranked No. 17 following a resounding 30-3 win over Florida in the Las Vegas Bowl. On the field, the Beavers have heights in various areas including scoring defense, total defense and rush defense and have shown outstanding performance in both passing and rushing offense.
With proven success in both developing talent, fostering academic excellence, and leading the Beavers to high achievement both on and off the field, Smith’s appointment as Michigan State’s new head football coach represents an exciting turning point for the university and its football program.
