Pat Fitzgerald Adds Familiar Faces, Key Pieces to Michigan State Football Staff
Pat Fitzgerald is wasting no time putting his stamp on the Michigan State football program. Just weeks into his tenure in East Lansing, the former Northwestern head coach continues to build his staff with deliberate, calculated moves - and on Saturday, he made two more significant additions.
With the defensive side of the ball already beginning to take shape - thanks to the earlier hires of Joe Rossi, Max Bullough, and James Adams - Fitzgerald turned his attention to filling out other critical roles within the program. While fans are still waiting for news on the offensive staff, these latest hires show that Fitzgerald is focused on building a strong foundation, not just filling seats.
Jacob Schmidt Named Chief of Staff
The first move of the day brought a familiar face back into Fitzgerald’s inner circle. Jacob Schmidt, who spent over a decade as the director of football operations at Northwestern, has been named Michigan State’s new chief of staff.
Schmidt’s resume speaks to both experience and loyalty. He worked alongside Fitzgerald for 11 years in Evanston, managing the day-to-day operations of the football program - a role that demands trust, organization, and a deep understanding of a head coach’s vision. More recently, Schmidt led Northwestern’s NIL collective, giving him a valuable perspective on the evolving landscape of college athletics.
This is a behind-the-scenes hire that may not grab headlines, but it’s exactly the kind of move that helps a program run smoothly. Schmidt knows what Fitzgerald expects, understands the Big Ten environment, and brings institutional knowledge that can help streamline the transition in East Lansing.
Joel Welsh Joins as Strength and Conditioning Coach
The second hire of the day brings some muscle - literally - to the Spartans’ rebuild. Fitzgerald has brought in Joel Welsh as Michigan State’s new strength and conditioning coach, pulling him away from Central Michigan.
Welsh isn’t new to Big Ten football. Before his time at CMU, he spent five years at Iowa, where he was part of a program known for developing physically tough, fundamentally sound players. That kind of experience matters, especially for a Michigan State team that needs to rediscover its identity after four straight seasons without a bowl appearance.
Strength and conditioning coaches often set the tone for a program’s culture. They’re the first voice players hear in the morning and the last one they hear before hitting the field. Welsh’s background suggests he’s ready to bring a high standard of physical preparation and accountability - two things that will be crucial as Fitzgerald looks to reestablish toughness and discipline in East Lansing.
What’s Next for Fitzgerald’s Staff?
With several defensive assistants already in place and now key support roles being filled, attention naturally shifts to the offensive side of the ball. There’s anticipation surrounding who will take over as offensive coordinator, and whether Fitzgerald might retain any assistants from the previous staff - particularly those brought in by Jonathan Smith.
Names have started to circulate for positions like tight ends coach and wide receivers coach, but Fitzgerald hasn’t rushed those decisions. And that’s telling. He’s building this staff with a clear sense of purpose, prioritizing fit and familiarity with the Big Ten over flash.
So far, the hires reflect a coach who knows what it takes to build a competitive program in this conference. Fitzgerald is leaning on people who understand the region, the culture, and what it means to grind through a Big Ten season.
A Methodical Rebuild with Familiar Roots
Michigan State’s football program is in the middle of a reset, and Fitzgerald seems committed to doing it the right way. The Spartans may not be making splashy headlines with every hire, but there’s a quiet confidence in the way this staff is coming together.
By bringing in trusted voices like Schmidt and experienced developers like Welsh, Fitzgerald is laying the groundwork for something more sustainable than a quick fix. If the rest of the hires follow this pattern - experienced, Big Ten-tested, and aligned with the head coach’s vision - Michigan State could be poised to take meaningful steps forward.
It’s early, but the direction is clear: Fitzgerald is building a program, not just a team. And in East Lansing, that’s exactly what’s needed.