Pat Fitzgerald is quietly but decisively putting his stamp on Michigan State football, assembling a staff that blends familiarity, fresh energy, and deep ties to the program. While the school hasn’t made any official announcements yet, multiple reports paint a clear picture of how Fitzgerald’s first staff in East Lansing is shaping up - and it’s one that leans heavily on continuity, trust, and Big Ten DNA.
Co-Defensive Coordinators: Joe Rossi and Max Bullough
Let’s start on the defensive side, where Fitzgerald is going with a two-headed approach. Joe Rossi, who was brought in by former coach Jonathan Smith ahead of the 2024 season, is being retained.
That’s a strong move. Rossi built a reputation at Minnesota for crafting disciplined, fundamentally sound defenses, and he brought that same edge to Michigan State last season.
While he had been handling linebackers as well, Fitzgerald is shifting that responsibility to someone who knows the position inside and out - and knows what it means to wear green and white.
Enter Max Bullough, a name that resonates deeply with Spartan fans. The former All-American linebacker is returning to his alma mater after spending the last two years coaching linebackers at Notre Dame.
Bullough’s coaching star is rising fast, and now he’s back in East Lansing to lead the position group he once dominated as a player. He’ll also share defensive coordinator duties with Rossi, giving Michigan State a mix of schematic savvy and program passion at the top of the defensive hierarchy.
Defensive Line: Winston DeLattiboudere III
On the defensive line, Fitzgerald is tapping into another connection to Rossi by bringing in Winston DeLattiboudere III, a former Minnesota defensive end who played under Rossi from 2015 to 2019. DeLattiboudere has quickly climbed the coaching ladder, most recently serving on the Arizona Cardinals’ staff after coaching the defensive line at Minnesota in 2023.
When Rossi left for East Lansing, P.J. Fleck promoted DeLattiboudere to assistant head coach - a testament to his leadership and coaching chops.
At just 27 years old, he brings a youthful energy and NFL experience that should resonate with players.
His coaching résumé already includes stops at Akron, Charlotte, and Oregon, plus NFL fellowships with the Packers and Jaguars. He’ll be stepping into a room previously led by Legi Suianuoa (interior DL) and Chad Wilt (edge), both of whom followed Smith from Oregon State. Expect DeLattiboudere to bring a fresh voice and a relentless motor to a unit that’s always central to Big Ten success.
Tight Ends: Brian Wozniak (Retained)
Fitzgerald is also keeping Brian Wozniak, who came with Smith from Oregon State in 2024. Wozniak has been coaching tight ends and handling recruiting coordinator duties - and he’s been doing it exclusively under Smith since starting as a grad assistant in Corvallis back in 2015.
A former Wisconsin tight end himself, Wozniak knows the position from both sides and has deep roots in the Midwest, hailing from Loveland, Ohio. His retention adds some stability and continuity to the offensive staff.
Strength and Conditioning: Joel Welsh
In the weight room, Joel Welsh is expected to take over after spending the last five seasons at Central Michigan. Welsh brings nearly a decade of experience at the FBS level, including prior stops at Delaware State and Iowa.
He replaces Mike McDonald, who had come to MSU with Smith. Welsh’s background suggests a focus on building toughness and durability - essential traits for surviving the grind of a Big Ten schedule.
Chief of Staff: Jacob Schmidt
Finally, Fitzgerald is bringing in a trusted lieutenant in Jacob Schmidt as chief of staff. Schmidt is a former walk-on running back and two-time captain under Fitzgerald at Northwestern, where he played from 2007 to 2011.
After graduating, he immediately joined the Wildcats’ staff and climbed the ranks, eventually becoming director of operations. For the past three years, he’s been leading Northwestern’s NIL collective, TruNU, giving him valuable experience in the ever-evolving world of college athletics administration.
Now, he reunites with Fitzgerald to help steer the off-field side of the program.
What It All Means
Fitzgerald’s early moves reflect a clear strategy: build around people he trusts, people with Big Ten experience, and people who understand what it takes to win in this league. Whether it’s bringing back a Spartan legend in Bullough, leaning on a proven defensive mind like Rossi, or adding youthful energy with DeLattiboudere, this staff is shaping up to be a blend of old-school toughness and modern football IQ.
There’s still more to come, but if these hires are any indication, Fitzgerald isn’t wasting time - he’s laying the foundation for a program that’s ready to get back to its identity: physical, smart, and relentless.