Michigan State is making another key addition to its offensive staff, reportedly set to bring in Mike Bajakian as the Spartans’ new quarterbacks coach - a move that adds both familiarity and experience to a rapidly forming coaching unit under new head coach Pat Fitzgerald.
Bajakian and Fitzgerald have history. The two worked together at Northwestern, where Bajakian served as offensive coordinator from 2020 through 2023.
That continuity could be a major asset as Michigan State looks to stabilize and elevate its offense after a turbulent stretch in East Lansing. Bajakian’s familiarity with Fitzgerald’s system and expectations gives the Spartans a head start in building cohesion on that side of the ball.
Most recently, Bajakian was calling plays and mentoring quarterbacks at UMass, handling both roles as offensive coordinator and position coach. Before that, he spent time at Utah in 2022, where he worked as an offensive analyst and eventually stepped in as interim offensive coordinator. That stop, while brief, added another layer to his already deep coaching resume, which includes stints in both the college and NFL ranks.
Now, he’s set to take over a quarterback room that’s still in transition - a group that’s searching for consistency and identity. With Bajakian’s track record of developing quarterbacks and designing offenses tailored to his personnel, the Spartans are hoping this hire brings some much-needed clarity and direction to the most important position on the field.
This move also signals that Michigan State’s offensive staff is nearly complete. With Nick Sheridan already in place as offensive coordinator, the only remaining piece is a running backs coach. Sheridan, who brings his own experience as a play-caller and quarterbacks coach, will now work alongside Bajakian to shape the Spartans' offensive identity heading into a new era.
For Michigan State, this hire isn't just about filling a role - it's about building a staff with shared vision and chemistry. Bajakian’s connection with Fitzgerald, combined with his experience developing quarterbacks and managing offenses, makes him a natural fit for what the Spartans are trying to build.
The pieces are coming together in East Lansing. Now, it’s about turning that staff synergy into results on the field.