Pat Fitzgerald isn’t wasting any time in East Lansing - and he’s not wasting any of that expanded assistant coach budget either. Since taking over at Michigan State, the former Northwestern head coach has moved quickly to assemble a staff that’s turning heads across the college football landscape. And now, he’s reportedly closing in on one of the most impactful hires yet.
According to reports, Michigan State is expected to bring in LeVar Woods from Iowa to serve as Assistant Head Coach and Special Teams Coordinator. If that name rings a bell, it should - Woods has quietly built a reputation as one of the premier special teams minds in the country.
He’s been a staple on the Iowa coaching staff since 2012, and in that time, his units have consistently ranked among the nation’s best. From blocked punts to game-changing returns, Woods’ fingerprints have been all over Iowa’s success in the third phase of the game.
This isn’t just a solid hire - it’s a statement. Special teams hires don’t usually make waves, but this one does.
Woods has developed multiple All-Americans, and his units are known for their discipline, execution, and ability to flip field position. Michigan State saw it up close this past November in Iowa City, where the Spartans were clearly outmatched in the special teams battle.
That game might’ve left a lasting impression - and now Fitzgerald is bringing in the architect of that dominance.
Woods is also an Iowa alum, which makes this move even more noteworthy. Pulling a loyal assistant away from his alma mater isn’t easy, but Fitzgerald is clearly selling a compelling vision for what he’s building in East Lansing. And with the financial backing to make aggressive moves, he’s capitalizing.
Michigan State’s athletic director, J Batt, gave Fitzgerald a significant bump in the assistant coaching pool - reportedly around $2 million more than what former head coach Jonathan Smith had to work with - and Fitzgerald is putting that investment to work. So far, he’s landed Max Bullough from Notre Dame, despite the Irish making a strong push to retain him. Now, he’s on the verge of landing Woods, a respected veteran with deep Big Ten ties.
Fitzgerald’s staff is starting to take shape, and it’s coming together with a clear identity. Bullough and Joe Rossi will lead the defense as co-coordinators, bringing a combination of toughness and schematic savvy.
James Adams is on board as safeties coach, and Joel Welsh will handle strength and conditioning. Add Woods to that mix, and you’ve got a staff that blends experience, energy, and a deep understanding of what it takes to compete in the Big Ten.
The defensive and special teams sides of the ball are rounding into form. Now, the focus shifts to the offensive staff - and if Fitzgerald’s early moves are any indication, expect more calculated, high-impact hires in the near future.
Michigan State isn’t just rebuilding - it’s reloading with intent. And Pat Fitzgerald is making sure every piece fits the blueprint.