Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald looks up on the sideline during the first half of a game against Wisconsin on Saturday in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis, file)

Michigan State has hired former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald to lead its football program.

The announcement on Monday comes a day after the Spartans fired Jonathan Smith two seasons into his seven-year contract.

“Pat Fitzgerald is widely recognized as an exceptional football coach, whose teams play with extreme toughness and grit, demonstrate continual improvement and maximize potential,” Michigan State athletic director J Batt said in a statement announcing the hiring. “Pat is an excellent fit for Michigan State Football, as he understands the Big Ten, has great relationships throughout the Midwest and embodies t

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