The Pat Fitzgerald era at Michigan State is already making waves - and he hasn’t even coached a game yet.
Just hours after being introduced as the Spartans’ new head football coach, Fitzgerald dove headfirst into the Spartan culture. He met with his team, connected with recruits, and even carved out time to share a laugh with Tom Izzo - all before taking in Michigan State’s Big Ten basketball opener against Iowa at a packed Breslin Center.
It was a whirlwind day that gave fans a glimpse of what Fitzgerald is bringing to East Lansing: energy, authenticity, and a deep respect for the traditions of Spartan athletics.
Fitzgerald and Izzo go way back, and that friendship was on full display Tuesday night. While Izzo was locked in on coaching his No. 7-ranked squad, he still found time to trade a few words with Fitzgerald during the game. But the moment that stole the show came during a timeout, when Fitzgerald’s sideline enthusiasm - hyping up the crowd with relentless energy - apparently started bleeding into Izzo’s huddle.
According to Izzo, he turned to Fitzgerald mid-game and jokingly said, “You’re screwing up my huddles - get your wife to shut you up!”
Classic Izzo. The comment, delivered with a grin and shared later during his postgame press conference, was all in good fun. It also underscored something deeper: the mutual respect between two of the most passionate leaders on campus.
Fitzgerald’s presence at the Breslin Center wasn’t just a cameo - it was a statement. He wasn’t hiding in a suite or staying behind the scenes.
He was front and center, rallying the crowd, engaging with fans, and soaking in the atmosphere. When he took the mic during the first half and fired up the crowd with a booming “Go Green!
Go White!” chant, the standing ovation said it all.
Spartan Nation is ready to ride with Fitz.
That kind of energy matters. It’s contagious. And when it’s coming from the head coach of your football program - someone who understands the culture and has a track record of building tough, competitive teams - it signals a culture shift.
Even more encouraging? Fitzgerald made it clear he plans to keep Michigan State legend Mark Dantonio close to the program.
The bond between Fitzgerald and Dantonio runs deep, and bringing a figure like Dantonio back into the fold can only help ease the transition and strengthen the foundation. Add Izzo to that mix, and you’ve got a trio of coaches who not only know how to win, but who understand what it means to lead at Michigan State.
The future in East Lansing feels different right now. There’s a buzz around the football program that hasn’t been there in a while. And while Fitzgerald may need to tone it down during basketball timeouts - at least if he wants to keep Izzo happy - his passion is exactly what Spartan fans have been waiting for.
If this is just day one, buckle up. The Fitzgerald era is off to a roaring start.