Pat Fitzgerald isn’t easing his way back into college football-he’s diving in headfirst. Since taking the reins at Michigan State, Fitzgerald has been working overtime, balancing the chaos of recruiting season with the high-stakes task of building out his coaching staff. And now, it looks like one of his next big moves could be bringing a familiar face back to the Big Ten.
According to reports, Michigan State is targeting Arizona Cardinals defensive line coach Winston DeLattiboudere for its vacant D-line coaching position. It’s a name that might not be mainstream yet, but folks inside the coaching world know DeLattiboudere has been on a fast track.
Let’s break down why this potential hire makes a lot of sense-and why it could be a pivotal piece for Fitzgerald’s Spartans.
From Gopher to Cardinal-and Possibly Spartan
DeLattiboudere’s coaching journey has been nothing short of meteoric. After playing defensive line at Minnesota from 2015 to 2019, he jumped into coaching and quickly climbed the ladder:
- 2020: Graduate Assistant at Charlotte
- 2021: Graduate Assistant at Oregon
- 2022: Defensive Line Coach at Akron
- 2023: Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellow with the Green Bay Packers
- 2023: Defensive Line Coach at Minnesota
- 2024: Assistant Head Coach / Defensive Line Coach at Minnesota
- 2025: Defensive Line Coach with the Arizona Cardinals
That’s a rapid rise, and it speaks to both his football IQ and ability to connect with players. But while DeLattiboudere made the leap to the NFL in 2025, the Cardinals’ defense hasn’t exactly lit up the stat sheet this season.
Arizona ranks 20th in rushing yards allowed per game (120), tied for 27th in sacks per game (1.8), and 27th in quarterback pressure rate (17.4%). In short: the unit struggled to generate consistent disruption.
With potential staff changes looming in Arizona, a return to college football-especially to a place where he’s already proven he can develop talent-could be an appealing next step.
Big Ten Roots Run Deep
DeLattiboudere’s time at Minnesota wasn’t just a stepping stone-it was where he made his name as a rising star in the coaching world. In 2023, he led a Gophers defensive line that helped the team earn a bowl appearance. One of his standout players, Danny Striggow, recorded six sacks and a forced fumble before heading to the NFL, where he now plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In 2024, DeLattiboudere returned as Minnesota’s assistant head coach while continuing to lead the defensive line. That year, the Gophers went 8-4, and his unit once again delivered. Striggow tallied five sacks and another forced fumble, while Anthony Smith posted six sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble of his own.
Those numbers weren’t just solid-they were the kind of production that gets attention from both college and pro programs. And they helped pave the way for DeLattiboudere’s jump to the NFL under Jonathan Gannon and Nick Rallis in Arizona.
The Rossi Connection
One major factor that could help Michigan State land DeLattiboudere? Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi.
Fitzgerald has already made a statement by retaining Rossi, a respected defensive mind with deep Big Ten experience. But this isn’t just about keeping a good coach-it’s about building a staff with chemistry and shared vision. And Rossi and DeLattiboudere have that in spades.
Their connection dates back to their time at Minnesota, where they worked side by side during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Rossi, who joined the Gophers’ staff in 2017, became defensive line coach in 2018 before rising to interim defensive coordinator and eventually taking over the full-time role. He stayed in that position through 2023 before heading to East Lansing in 2024.
During their time together, Rossi and DeLattiboudere helped craft a tough, disciplined Minnesota defense that consistently held its own in the Big Ten. That kind of continuity and shared experience could be exactly what Fitzgerald is looking for as he shapes Michigan State’s identity.
A Potential Big Ten Reunion
If Michigan State does manage to lure DeLattiboudere back to the college ranks, it would be a smart, forward-looking move. He’s young, dynamic, and proven in the Big Ten trenches. And with Fitzgerald and Rossi already in place, the foundation is there for a defensive staff that could make noise in the conference.
DeLattiboudere knows what it takes to compete in the Big Ten. He’s coached players who’ve made the leap to the NFL, and he understands the grind of building a unit that can thrive in a physical, run-heavy league. Combine that with his recent NFL experience, and you’ve got a coach who brings both credibility and upside.
For Fitzgerald, this is about more than just filling a spot on the sideline. It’s about assembling a staff that can recruit, develop, and win-right now. And if Winston DeLattiboudere joins the fold in East Lansing, Michigan State’s defensive line might be in very good hands.