Michigan State Begins New Era Under Pat Fitzgerald with Key Staff Moves
After a tough 4-8 campaign in 2025, including a 1-8 mark in Big Ten play, Michigan State is hitting the reset button-and fast. New head coach Pat Fitzgerald is already putting his stamp on the program, assembling a staff that blends experience, familiarity, and a deep understanding of what it takes to win in the Big Ten. If the past few weeks are any indication, the Spartans are serious about rebuilding from the inside out.
Let’s break down the key hires shaping what Fitzgerald hopes will be a turnaround season in East Lansing.
Joe Rossi Returns to Lead the Defense
One of the first-and perhaps most important-moves Fitzgerald made was retaining defensive coordinator Joe Rossi. That’s a big win for Michigan State. Rossi has been a fixture in Big Ten defensive circles since 2018, first making his mark at Minnesota before joining the Spartans last season.
Despite a rocky start in 2025, much of it due to injuries and depth issues, Rossi’s unit showed signs of resilience late in the year. Michigan State’s defense held its own in the early quarters against some of the conference’s heavyweights-Penn State, Minnesota, and Iowa-before fatigue and lack of depth took their toll. Still, the early-game toughness was a glimpse of what Rossi can build with a full offseason and a healthier roster.
By keeping Rossi, Fitzgerald ensures continuity on that side of the ball. More than that, he’s keeping a coach who knows how to scheme against Big Ten offenses and isn’t afraid to get creative when the personnel isn’t perfect. That’s exactly the kind of voice you want leading a defense in transition.
James Adams Stays to Guide the Safeties
Another key piece staying in East Lansing is safeties coach James Adams. He joined the Spartans in 2024 after three seasons at Wake Forest and quickly established himself as a steadying presence in the secondary.
Even with a pass rush that struggled to generate consistent pressure, Adams’ group held up well in coverage. That’s no small feat in a league where explosive plays can change games in a heartbeat. His return is a win for player development, especially with a young secondary that showed flashes last season.
Fitzgerald called Adams a passionate coach and strong recruiter-and that’s exactly what Michigan State needs as it looks to build depth and consistency on the back end of the defense.
Max Bullough Returns to Lead Linebackers
One of the most buzzworthy additions is the return of Max Bullough to East Lansing. The former Spartan standout and NFL linebacker is coming home to coach the position he once dominated on the field. And make no mistake-this is more than just a feel-good reunion.
Bullough brings serious coaching chops. He’s worked under Nick Saban at Alabama and was part of Notre Dame’s run to the National Championship game last season. That’s high-level experience, and now he’s bringing it back to his alma mater.
Known for his intensity and football IQ, Bullough is tailor-made for the linebacker room. He understands the culture of Michigan State football, and more importantly, he knows what it takes to win at the highest level. If you're trying to reestablish toughness and identity on defense, this is the kind of hire that moves the needle.
Joel Welsh Jr. Takes Over Strength & Conditioning
Rounding out the key hires is Joel Welsh Jr., who steps in as the new head of strength and conditioning. Fitzgerald emphasized that the culture starts in the weight room, and Welsh is being tasked with setting the tone.
Welsh comes over from Central Michigan, bringing over a decade of experience in athlete development. His job won’t just be about building muscle-it’s about building mindset. In a conference as physical as the Big Ten, that matters.
If Michigan State is going to close the gap with the conference’s elite, it starts with physical preparation. Welsh’s arrival signals a renewed focus on toughness, durability, and mental edge-all traits the Spartans have historically leaned on during their best seasons.
What’s Next for the Spartans
With the coaching staff now locked in, the next phase begins: recruiting, development, and navigating the always-active transfer portal. Fitzgerald’s early moves suggest a clear vision-one rooted in physicality, continuity, and a deep understanding of Big Ten football.
Michigan State isn’t pretending the climb back will be easy. But with this staff in place, they’ve taken the first real step toward building something tougher, smarter, and more sustainable. The rebuild is on-and it’s got some serious momentum.