In a surprising turn, Michigan State has named Pat Fitzgerald as their new head football coach. The move’s already drawing a fair bit of heat.
ESPN writer Bill Connelly didn’t mince words—he ranked Fitzgerald’s hiring dead last among 30 new FBS coaching hires. That’s not exactly a warm welcome.
The Controversial Hiring of Pat Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald’s appointment has left the college football world buzzing. He was previously fired from Northwestern after a hazing scandal, though he wasn’t found to have known about the misconduct.
Still, the fallout was enough to send him packing. Even with his experience, some folks are openly questioning whether he’s the right fit for Michigan State, given how things ended at Northwestern.
Background: Fitzgerald’s Tenure at Northwestern
At 51, Fitzgerald’s got a lengthy history with Northwestern. He racked up a 110-101 record there, which isn’t nothing.
But his last four seasons were rough—just 14 wins and 31 losses. That, plus the hazing and sexual harassment scandal, led to his exit, though an investigation said he wasn’t aware of the hazing itself.
He eventually settled with Northwestern, but nobody’s saying what the terms were. That’s left people guessing.
Bill Connelly’s Critique
Bill Connelly at ESPN was especially harsh on Michigan State’s decision. He put Fitzgerald at the very bottom of his FBS new hires list.
Connelly questioned whether Fitzgerald could succeed, especially since his last two years at Northwestern were a dismal 4-20. Michigan State fans probably won’t tolerate that kind of record.
He also flagged Fitzgerald’s lack of experience with NIL and the transfer portal. That’s a big deal in today’s college football landscape.
Michigan State’s Decision-Making Process
The school moved fast after firing Jonathan Smith, who had gone 9-15 over two seasons. Instead of a long search, they hired Fitzgerald the very next day.
That quick turnaround didn’t sit well with a lot of folks. Critics say Michigan State may have skipped some important steps, especially given Fitzgerald’s recent struggles.
Why the Criticism?
So, why all the pushback? There’s a handful of reasons:
- Recent Performance: That 14-31 record in his last four years at Northwestern doesn’t inspire much confidence.
- Hazing Scandal: Even if Fitzgerald wasn’t in the know, the scandal still hangs over him.
- Lack of NIL Experience: He hasn’t really dealt with the Name, Image, and Likeness era or the transfer portal. That’s risky.
- High Salary: Michigan State’s reportedly paying him $6 million a year. That’s a pretty steep bet for a coach with recent baggage.
Potential Implications for Michigan State
So what does this mean for Michigan State? It’s a bit of a mixed bag.
Short-Term Prospects
In the immediate future, Fitzgerald could bring some steadiness and veteran know-how. He’s seen a lot, and there’s a chance he figures things out if he can adjust to the new world of college football.
Long-Term Concerns
But the long-term picture’s murkier. His recent track record and the way he left Northwestern raise real questions about whether he can meet Michigan State’s high bar.
And with that $6 million salary, expectations are sky-high. If things go south, it could get ugly—both on the field and in the books.
The hiring of Pat Fitzgerald as Michigan State’s head football coach is definitely a bold move. Some would even call it controversial.
Fitzgerald brings plenty of experience. He’s had his share of success in the past.
Still, his recent track record? Not exactly spotless. There are real concerns and criticisms about his appointment that can’t just be brushed aside.
This decision has people talking all over the college football world. Will it work out? Honestly, it’s anyone’s guess right now.
For more details on this story, you can read the full article on pjstar.com.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
