Jonathan Smith reveals the most common phrases his players will hear from him
At his introductory press conference, new Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith revealed the most common phrases that his players will hear from him.
Smith explained that he wants to instill a selfless and team-orientated attitude within the program.
“I think from the start, low ego, high output,” Jonathan Smith said. “Selfless. I think football is the ultimate team game, walking in with these roster sizes now with 120 some odd guys with 11 guys on the field, it’s the ultimate team game.”
Men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo was in the room. Jonathan Smith wanted to make sure it didn’t sound like he was taking a shot at the sport, but he emphasized how one player can’t take over football the way they can in basketball. That’s part of where his mantras come from.
“No shot at Coach Izzo over here, but you play hoop you put four guys over here and you let LeBron [James] one-on-one that can take place over schematically and all that. Football is a little different, the ultimate team game of being selfless and being a great teammate.”
To this point in his career, Jonathan Smith has found plenty of success, rebuilding Oregon State into one of the best programs in the country. In the last three seasons there, once the program was rebuilt, Smith compiled a record of 25-13 record with two top-25 finishes.
Jonathan Smith eager to dive in, learn Michigan State history
One thing that Jonathan Smith lacks is a connection to Michigan State. So, to make up for that, he’s looking to learn into as much of the program’s history and culture as possible.
“Definitely important. [I] definitely want to dive in and learn. I continue to learn more and more each day,” Smith said.
“I’ll say it this way, just thinking of the former players and understanding the big-time players, the history, and championships that were won here, is important for me to learn, but also make sure we have engaging, welcoming back former players, I look back to learning that part.”