Pat Fitzgerald Builds Smart, Balanced Staff at Michigan State, Retains Key Offensive Coaches
Pat Fitzgerald continues to put his stamp on the Michigan State football program, and on Sunday night, he made two more significant moves that should have Spartan fans feeling optimistic about the future. The new head coach retained a pair of highly respected assistants from the Jonathan Smith era - wide receivers coach Courtney Hawkins and tight ends coach Brian Wozniak - signaling a savvy approach to building a staff that blends continuity with fresh energy.
On paper, keeping four assistants from the previous regime might raise some eyebrows. But when you look closer, it’s clear Fitzgerald is being selective - and strategic. He’s retained arguably the four most impactful coaches from Smith’s staff, with Hawkins and Wozniak leading the charge on the offensive side of the ball.
Hawkins Brings Development and Recruiting Pedigree
Courtney Hawkins is a name that carries weight in East Lansing, and for good reason. A former Spartan standout himself, Hawkins has developed a reputation not just as a strong position coach, but as one of the program’s best recruiters in recent memory. His track record speaks volumes: Jalen Nailor, Keon Coleman, and Jayden Reed - all wideouts who made their way to the NFL - were products of his room.
Hawkins has shown he can both identify and develop talent at a high level, and his connection to the program adds another layer of value. For Fitzgerald, retaining a coach like Hawkins isn’t just about continuity - it’s about keeping a proven developer of NFL-caliber talent in the building.
Wozniak’s Impact on Tight End Play
Brian Wozniak might not have the same name recognition as Hawkins, but his work with the tight end group has been equally impressive. He was instrumental in the rise of Jack Velling, who was trending toward All-American status before the offense ran into issues late in the season. Wozniak has also helped shape several tight ends into NFL prospects, showing a clear ability to mold versatile, physical players who can contribute at the next level.
For a program looking to reestablish its physical identity on offense, Wozniak’s return is a big win.
Staff Nearly Complete - and Impressively Diverse
With Hawkins and Wozniak officially back, Fitzgerald’s staff is nearly complete. He’s already filled key roles, including offensive and defensive coordinators, special teams coordinator, linebackers coach, safeties coach, and now wide receivers and tight ends coaches. There’s also reported interest in Hank Poteat for the defensive backs role, which would further solidify the defensive side of the staff.
That leaves just a few positions still to be filled: defensive line, offensive line, and running backs coach. But the overall picture is already taking shape, and it’s a promising one.
A Thoughtful, National Approach to Hiring
One of the early concerns among fans was whether Fitzgerald would simply bring over a wave of familiar faces from his Northwestern days. That hasn’t happened. Instead, he’s cast a wide net, pulling talent from some of the top programs in the country.
His co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach comes from Notre Dame. The special teams coordinator is from Iowa.
The offensive coordinator hails from Alabama. And if the hire of Poteat is finalized, the secondary coach would come from Iowa State.
That’s a strong mix of Power Five experience and proven development pipelines.
It’s a staff that already shows balance - between offensive and defensive minds, between holdovers and newcomers, and between program loyalty and national pedigree.
The Bottom Line
Fitzgerald is building a staff that makes sense. He’s not just hiring names - he’s hiring fits.
Coaches who can recruit, develop, and connect with players. Coaches who bring credibility from elite programs, and coaches who know what it takes to win in the Big Ten.
Retaining Courtney Hawkins and Brian Wozniak wasn’t just a nod to the past - it was a smart investment in Michigan State’s future. With the staff nearly complete and the foundation being laid, Fitzgerald is giving Spartan fans plenty of reasons to believe this rebuild is heading in the right direction.