Michigan State is firing coach Jonathan Smith one day after the Spartans concluded a 4-8 season, sources tell CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz . Michigan State capped its 2025 campaign with a 38-28 victory over Maryland , which gave the Spartans their first Big Ten win of the season.

Zenitz also reports the Spartans are expected to hire former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald as Smith's replacement. Fitzgerald won 110 games in 17 seasons with the Wildcats.

Smith departs Michigan State after just two seasons and an official record of 4-15. The Spartans won five games in 2024, but vacated them due to recruiting violations committed by former Michigan State coach Mel Tucker.

Michigan State started the season 3-0 against nonconference opponents, including a double-overtime victory against 2

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