Michigan State is hiring Pat Fitzgerald to fill its coaching vacancy, sources tell CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz . The Spartans acted quickly to replace former coach Jonathan Smith , who was fired Sunday afternoon after two seasons in East Lansing.

Fitzgerald was initially reported as a top target in Michigan State's search. This will mark a return to the Big Ten for the 50-year-old coach, who spent 17 seasons at Northwestern from 2006-22. He has not coached at the collegiate level since.

Fitzgerald, who was a hall of fame linebacker and a longtime defensive assistant with the Wildcats, departed Evanston with a 110-101 overall record. His 110 wins and 64 Big Ten conference wins were both program records. As were his 10 bowl appearance and his five wins in bowl games.

Fitzgerald also

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