Pat Fitzgerald’s first coaching staff at Michigan State is nearly complete-and as of Monday, it looks like the final piece is in place.
The Spartans are reportedly set to hire Devon Spalding as their new running backs coach, bringing a familiar Midwest name back home. Spalding, a Canton native and former Central Michigan standout, spent the last three seasons coaching running backs at Wisconsin. Now, he’s headed to East Lansing to help revitalize a Michigan State ground game that’s looking for a new identity under Fitzgerald.
Let’s break down what this hire means-and what Spalding brings to the table.
A Midwest Guy With a Quick Climb
Spalding doesn’t have a long coaching résumé, but what he lacks in years, he makes up for in regional ties and player development. After wrapping up his playing career at Central Michigan less than a decade ago, he quickly transitioned into coaching roles at Youngstown State and Cincinnati before landing at Wisconsin.
At Youngstown State, Spalding played a key role in developing Jaleel McLaughlin, who became the NCAA’s all-time leading rusher with over 8,000 career yards. That’s not just a stat-it’s a testament to Spalding’s ability to connect with and elevate talent. McLaughlin’s success wasn’t a fluke, and Spalding’s fingerprints were all over that development.
The Wisconsin Years: Mixed Bag, But Context Matters
Spalding’s time at Wisconsin is where most fans will focus, and the results there are a bit of a mixed bag. He helped develop Braelon Allen, who became one of the more physically imposing backs in the Big Ten and eventually made his way to the NFL. That’s a solid feather in the cap.
But this past season, Wisconsin’s run game didn’t quite meet expectations. No Badger back cracked 400 rushing yards.
Darrion Dupree led the group with 363 yards, followed by Dillon Jones (300) and Gideon Ituka (255). Those numbers aren’t going to turn heads, and they’ve sparked some criticism from fans in Madison.
Still, it’s important to remember that a running back room’s production doesn’t fall solely on the position coach. Offensive line play, injuries, scheme changes, and game flow all factor in. While the numbers weren’t eye-popping, Spalding’s ability to develop talent and his track record with Allen and McLaughlin show he knows how to coach the position.
Why This Hire Makes Sense for Michigan State
Fitzgerald is building a staff with strong regional ties, and Spalding fits that mold perfectly. He’s a Michigan native, has coached in Ohio and Wisconsin, and understands the recruiting landscape in the Midwest. That matters-especially in the Big Ten, where recruiting battles are often won with relationships and familiarity.
Spalding also brings recent playing experience to the table, something that can resonate with young backs. He’s been in their shoes.
He knows what it takes to succeed at the college level and beyond. That relatability can go a long way in the meeting room and on the recruiting trail.
What’s Next
With Spalding reportedly on board, the only coaching spot still in question is on the defensive line, where Winston DeLattiboudere III is expected to join the staff after finishing out the season with the Arizona Cardinals. DeLattiboudere hasn’t confirmed anything publicly, but all signs point to him joining Fitzgerald’s staff once his NFL duties wrap up.
For now, the focus shifts to how this staff gels and begins to shape the Spartans’ identity heading into 2026. There may be questions about experience, but there’s also a clear vision: bring in hungry, relatable coaches with ties to the region and a track record of developing talent.
Spalding fits that bill. Now, it’s about turning potential into production.