Michigan State hires Jonathan Smith as Spartans' 26th head football coach
East Lansing, Mich. – Michigan State has reached a signed agreement with Jonathan Smith to become its next head coach, SpartanMag has confirmed with sources close to the hiring process.
Michigan State’s Board of Trustees is expected to approve Haller’s recommendation and officially hire Smith by Monday. At Michigan State, the Board of Trustees handles the hiring of its football coaches.
Terms of his contract have not been released.
Smith, a native of Pasadena, Calif., is in his sixth year as head coach at Oregon State. The Beavers closed out their 2023 regular season with an 31-7 loss at No. 6 Oregon on Friday. Smith is not expected to remain with Oregon State for its bowl game.
Oregon State finished the season 8-4. The Beavers were ranked as high as No. 11 in the AP poll this season.
Oregon State went 10-3 last year, finishing No. 17 in the AP rankings after a 30-3 victory over No. 14 Florida in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Last year marked only the third 10-win season in Oregon State history. For it, Smith was named Co-Coach of the Year in the Pac-12 and was Region 5 Coach of the Year by his peers in the American Football Coaches Association.
Smith succeeds interim head coach Harlon Barnett, who coached his last game for the Spartans on Friday night. Barnett became interim head coach after former head coach Mel Tucker was fired on Sept. 29.
Smith went 2-10 in his first year at Oregon State, then improved to 5-7 in year two.
Oregon State went 2-5 during the COVID-shortened season of 2020, and then Smith’s program began to gain traction.
The Beavers went 7-6 in 20201 and lost to Utah State, 24-13, in the L.A. Bowl.
Then Oregon State began to break through last season, with a 10-3 season.
Smith went 34-35 during his six season at Oregon State and was 18-7 in the last two years.
Further Analysis:
It’s Official! Michigan State hired Jonathan Smith
What the hiring of Jonathan Smith means for Michigan State recruiting
DotComp: Why Jonathan Smith is a terrific hire and strong fit for Michigan State
