Michigan State’s football program is undergoing a major transformation this offseason - and it’s not just about the high-profile head coaching change from Jonathan Smith to Pat Fitzgerald. As is often the case when a new head coach takes the reins, the sideline is getting a fresh look. Fitzgerald is assembling his own staff, blending familiar faces with new voices, and bringing back some Spartan legends along the way.
With a staff budget of $12.12 million and strict contract parameters - three-year deals for coordinators and strength coaches, two-year terms for assistants - Fitzgerald is moving quickly to shape the identity of his program. Here’s a deep dive into how the new staff is coming together, who’s sticking around, and where some former assistants are headed.
New Faces in East Lansing
Offensive Coordinator: Nick Sheridan
Fitzgerald made a splash by tapping Alabama co-offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan to run the Spartans’ offense. Sheridan isn’t new to Big Ten country - he was a walk-on quarterback at Michigan in the late 2000s, starting four games and earning his stripes the hard way. Since then, he's climbed the coaching ladder with stops at Indiana, Washington, and most recently, Alabama, where he’s currently in the thick of a College Football Playoff run.
Sheridan brings a mix of Big Ten familiarity and high-level experience, and while he won’t be in East Lansing full-time until after Alabama’s postseason is over, this hire signals Fitzgerald’s intent to modernize and energize the offense.
Co-Defensive Coordinator & Linebackers Coach: Max Bullough
Here’s one that should fire up Spartan fans - Max Bullough is back. A two-time captain during Michigan State’s dominant 2010-2013 stretch, Bullough returns to his alma mater after gaining coaching experience at Alabama and Notre Dame, including stints during both programs’ national title runs.
Bullough knows what it means to win in East Lansing. As a player, he was part of a 42-12 overall record and a 25-7 mark in Big Ten play.
Now, he returns to help anchor the defense, working alongside retained defensive coordinator Joe Rossi. This move isn’t just about nostalgia - it’s about injecting the program with championship pedigree and a deep understanding of Spartan football culture.
Defensive Line: Winston DeLattiboudere
Fitzgerald is also reuniting defensive coordinator Joe Rossi with a familiar face in Winston DeLattiboudere. The former Minnesota defensive lineman coached the position under Rossi in 2023 and 2024, and he’s currently finishing out the NFL season with the Arizona Cardinals before making his move to East Lansing.
DeLattiboudere brings youthful energy and recent playing experience, along with a track record of developing trench talent. His NFL exposure adds another layer of credibility to a defensive staff that’s quickly taking shape with a mix of proven teachers and rising minds.
Strength and Conditioning: Joel Welsh
Michigan State looked in-state to bolster its strength and conditioning program, bringing in Joel Welsh from Central Michigan. Welsh has 15 years of experience in the field, with prior stops at Iowa and Delaware State. Known for his player-first approach and modern training techniques, Welsh is expected to play a key role in reshaping the Spartans physically and mentally under Fitzgerald’s regime.
Chief of Staff: Jacob Schmidt
Fitzgerald is also bringing in a trusted confidant in Jacob Schmidt, a former running back from his early years at Northwestern. Schmidt was part of Fitzgerald’s first full recruiting class back in 2007 and later became a second-team All-American.
Since 2012, he’s been by Fitzgerald’s side in various roles, most recently as director of player development. Now, he’ll help steer the off-field operations at Michigan State.
Staying Put in Green and White
Defensive Coordinator: Joe Rossi
One of the biggest wins of the offseason may be keeping Joe Rossi. Originally hired by Jonathan Smith in late 2023, Rossi’s defense steadily improved throughout the season, holding the final four opponents under 28 points per game. That earned him a contract extension before the season opener - a game in which his unit pitched a shutout.
Rossi has more than $3.5 million left on his deal, and his retention gives the Spartans valuable continuity on defense. With Bullough and DeLattiboudere now in the fold, the defensive brain trust looks formidable.
Wide Receivers Coach: Courtney Hawkins
Courtney Hawkins is a name that resonates in East Lansing. A former Spartan wideout and two-time All-Big Ten selection, Hawkins is sticking around for another run. After a nine-year NFL career and a coaching stint at Flint Beecher High School, Hawkins returned to MSU in 2020 under Mel Tucker and has developed standout receivers like Jayden Reed, Jalen Nailor, and Nick Marsh.
Hawkins is currently on an expiring deal, but with his track record and deep roots in the program, an extension before the end of January seems likely.
Tight Ends Coach: Brian Wozniak
Of all the assistants who came over with Smith from Oregon State, Brian Wozniak is the lone holdover. A former Wisconsin tight end and three-time Big Ten champion, Wozniak has been coaching under Smith for nearly a decade. He brings consistency to the offensive staff and still has a year left on his $500,000 contract.
Safeties Coach: James Adams
James Adams is another key piece staying in place. Brought in by Smith from Wake Forest, where he was associate head coach and safeties coach, Adams is known for his ability to build and stabilize secondaries.
With Michigan State’s defensive backfield needing a reset, Adams’ return is a significant plus. He’s under contract for another year at $500,000.
Coaches on the Move
Running Backs: Keith Bhonapha
Keith Bhonapha is heading back to his roots, taking the running backs job at Cal. During his time in East Lansing, he coached Nate Carter to the NFL and worked with promising young back Makhi Frazier, who eventually entered the transfer portal. Bhonapha had another year on his deal, but the West Coast native is returning home.
Secondary: Blue Adams
Blue Adams is also moving on, accepting a job at Florida State. The former NFL cornerback joined Smith’s staff after five years at Oregon State and helped develop true freshman Aydan West into a starter. Adams had just two months left on his contract, and his departure opens the door for Fitzgerald to bring in his own secondary coach.
Final Thoughts
Michigan State’s coaching staff is beginning to reflect Pat Fitzgerald’s vision - a blend of Big Ten toughness, modern football minds, and a few familiar Spartan faces who know what it takes to win in East Lansing. With key pieces like Rossi and Hawkins staying, and new blood like Sheridan and Bullough coming in, this is a staff built to compete - and built to last.
It’s still early in the Fitzgerald era, but the foundation is being laid with purpose. The next chapter of Spartan football is taking shape, and it’s already got the look of a program ready to fight its way back into Big Ten relevance.