Just a couple of weeks ago, Michigan State made waves by reportedly bringing in Winston DeLattiboudere III, the 27-year-old defensive line coach from the Arizona Cardinals. For a Spartan program that’s been desperate to reignite its pass rush, the move signaled a bold shift-one that fans welcomed with open arms.
DeLattiboudere is widely viewed as a rising star in the coaching ranks. Pulling him from the NFL wasn’t just a smart hire-it was a power play by new head coach Pat Fitzgerald.
And there’s a deeper connection here that makes this move feel like more than just a résumé boost. DeLattiboudere played under defensive coordinator Joe Rossi at Minnesota, so reuniting with a familiar face in East Lansing makes plenty of sense.
Sometimes, it’s not just about climbing the ladder-it’s about climbing it with the right people.
But here’s where things get interesting: since the initial report of his hiring on December 15, there hasn’t been much noise from Michigan State’s end. No official announcement.
No welcome graphic. Nothing from the program’s social media accounts.
And for a coaching hire of this magnitude, that silence is noticeable.
Naturally, it’s sparked some questions. Is DeLattiboudere actually coming to East Lansing?
Or is he still weighing his options? The Cardinals, still in the thick of their season, would surely love to keep him in the fold heading into 2026.
There’s also the matter of timing. Arizona still has games left on the schedule, and it’s entirely possible that both DeLattiboudere and Michigan State are waiting until the Cardinals’ season wraps before making anything official. That approach would be a nod of respect to his current employer-and fits with the way DeLattiboudere has handled the situation so far.
When asked this week about the Michigan State rumors, DeLattiboudere didn’t bite. Cardinals reporters tried to get a comment, but he kept the focus on Arizona’s upcoming game against the Bengals.
“#AZCardinals DL coach Winston DeLattiboudere III declined to confirm if he was going to take a coaching job at Michigan State as has been reported. Said his full attention is on the Cardinals game against the Bengals.” Darren Urban (@Cardschatter), December 26, 2025
That answer-or non-answer-says a lot. It’s the classic move from a coach who doesn’t want to distract from the task at hand.
His players are still grinding through a season, and his commitment to them is clear. But it also leaves the door wide open for what comes next.
When coaches avoid confirming or denying reports like this, it usually means one of two things: negotiations are still ongoing, or the deal is done and they’re just waiting for the right time to announce it. Either way, it’s rarely a sign that the move is off the table.
So where does that leave Michigan State fans? In a bit of a holding pattern-but not one that should spark panic.
All signs still point to DeLattiboudere joining Fitzgerald’s staff once the Cardinals’ season concludes. And if that’s the case, the Spartans are getting a young, high-upside coach who’s already earned his stripes in the NFL.
For now, patience is key. But if everything falls into place, Michigan State’s defensive line could soon be in the hands of one of the most promising young coaches in the game.