When Pat Fitzgerald officially took the reins as Michigan State’s 27th head football coach-just 48 hours before the early signing period for the 2026 recruiting class opened-it was clear where his initial priorities had to lie: recruiting. Ideally, Fitzgerald admits, he would’ve spent those first crucial hours building out his staff. But the calendar didn’t offer that luxury.
Now, nearly three weeks into his tenure in East Lansing, the flurry of recruiting activity has slowed just enough for Fitzgerald to begin shaping the foundation of his program. And on Thursday, Michigan State made it official: four key hires are now in place, signaling the early framework of Fitzgerald’s vision for Spartan football.
Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi, safeties coach James Adams, co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Max Bullough, and head strength and conditioning coach Joel Welsh are all on board. It's a mix of continuity and fresh energy-two holdovers from the previous staff and two new faces with ties to the program and region.
Let’s break down what each of these hires brings to the table and why they matter for Michigan State’s future.
Joe Rossi: A Trusted Defensive Architect
Rossi isn’t new to East Lansing-he joined the Spartans under former head coach Jonathan Smith-but his influence on the defense became more visible as last season progressed. A three-time Broyles Award nominee, Rossi has long earned respect for the way he schemes and adjusts.
His decision to move from the press box to the sidelines midway through the season gave the defense a spark, and it showed. Despite Michigan State’s struggles in the win column, the defense began to find its rhythm late in the year.
Fitzgerald, who faced off against Rossi’s units during his time at Northwestern, made it clear this was a hire rooted in both respect and results.
“We used to study [Rossi’s defenses] when he was at Minnesota and we went against him every year,” Fitzgerald said. “After talking with the players here at Michigan State, they also hold him in high regard. I’m looking forward to him leading our defense.”
Rossi brings a steady hand and a proven track record. For a program looking to reestablish its defensive identity, that’s a strong building block.
James Adams: A Connector in the Secondary
Also staying on from Smith’s staff is James Adams, who will continue coaching the safeties. Adams arrived in East Lansing from Wake Forest, where he spent three years developing a reputation as a coach who connects deeply with his players and brings a teacher’s approach to the field.
Fitzgerald had Adams on his radar even before arriving at MSU, and their conversations only confirmed what he’d heard.
“He’s a great leader of men, a positive teacher, and develops meaningful relationships with his players,” Fitzgerald said.
In today’s college football landscape, where player development and retention are just as important as recruiting, coaches like Adams are invaluable. His ability to build trust with players while sharpening their on-field performance makes him a key piece of Fitzgerald’s staff.
Max Bullough: A Spartan Comes Home
If there’s one hire that immediately resonates with the Michigan State fanbase, it’s Max Bullough. A former standout linebacker and team captain during the Spartans’ rise to national prominence under Mark Dantonio, Bullough’s return feels like more than just a coaching addition-it’s a cultural statement.
After his playing days, Bullough transitioned into coaching with stops at Cincinnati, Alabama, and most recently Notre Dame, where he coached linebackers the past two seasons. Now, he returns to East Lansing as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, bringing both pedigree and passion.
“Max Bullough embodies Spartan toughness,” Fitzgerald said. “He will undoubtedly inspire our players to play with maximum effort.”
This hire isn’t just about nostalgia. Bullough has been sharpening his coaching chops at elite programs, and now he brings that experience back to a place he knows intimately. Expect him to be a tone-setter both on the practice field and in the locker room.
Joel Welsh: Building the Physical Foundation
Every program needs a strong foundation in the weight room, and Fitzgerald believes Joel Welsh is the right man to lead that charge. Welsh replaces Mike McDonald as head strength and conditioning coach, arriving from Central Michigan where he most recently served as associate athletic director for sport performance.
Welsh’s resume is extensive, with stops at Delaware State, Iowa, Fordham, and others. But more importantly, he brings a clear vision for how to develop players physically and mentally for the grind of Big Ten football.
“It became abundantly clear after researching and talking with coaches in the profession that Joel was the right person,” Fitzgerald said. “He has the pedigree and plan that will give our players the best opportunity to succeed on Saturdays.”
Player development has always been a hallmark of Fitzgerald’s coaching philosophy, and Welsh will be tasked with ensuring that development starts in the weight room. His hire underscores the importance of preparation and durability-two pillars for any successful program.
The Blueprint Begins
With these four hires, Fitzgerald isn’t just filling out a staff-he’s laying down the blueprint for what Spartan football will look like under his leadership. There’s a balance of familiarity and fresh perspective, of proven experience and program pride. And while the work is far from done, the early signs point to a coach who’s building with intention.
Recruiting may have been the first priority out of necessity, but now the real construction begins. And with names like Rossi, Adams, Bullough, and Welsh in the fold, Michigan State’s foundation is already starting to take shape.