Skip to main content
Michigan State
Join Now

Max Bullough returning to Michigan State as assistant coach

On3 imageby: Jim Comparoni1 hour agoJimComparoni

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Pat Fitzgerald has secured the latest addition to his football staff, and it’s a major one. Former Michigan State linebacking great Max Bullough has accepted a job offer from Fitzgerald and will join the Spartan coaching staff immediately, SpartanMag has confirmed with two sources who have direct knowledge of the matter.

Bullough will serve as linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator under defensive coordinator Joe Rossi. Rossi will run the defense and call defensive plays. Fitzgerald retained Rossi from the Jonathan Smith staff.

Bullough was a two-time captain for Michigan State in 2012 and 2013 under former head coach Mark Dantonio. He was a principal figure in helping the Spartans rise as a Top 10 team in 2011, and then win the Big Ten in 2013. In 2013, Michigan State earned a Rose Bowl, finished 13-1, and ranked No. 3 ranking in the final polls – the Spartans’ highest since 1966.

Bullough was a three-time All-Big Ten selection – earning first-team honors as a junior and senior. He was third-team All-American in 2013 for a team which ranked No. 3 in the nation in total defense, No. 2 in rushing defense and No. 1 in yards allowed per play.

Bullough played two seasons with the Houston Texas (2014-16) as an un-drafted free agent. He spent 2018 with the Cleveland Browns practice squad before retiring as a player.

Bullough was elevated to linebackers coach at Notre Dame in 2024. The Irish ranked No. 11 in the nation in yards allowed per game in 2024, and No. 11 in yards allowed per play this season.

For more news and analysis on this story, subscribe to SpartanMag. Current subscribers, click here for ANALYSIS: Max Bullough Returns to Michigan State – How It Went Down and What It Means

You may also like