East Lansing — A couple of familiar faces are staying on with Pat Fitzgerald's first football staff.

Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi and safeties coach James Adams will remain on Michigan State's staff next season, first reported by ESPN's Pete Thamel and confirmed by an MSU spokesperson .

Rossi, 46, joined Jonathan Smith's inaugural staff in December 2023 after six seasons as defensive coordinator for Minnesota. Rossi originally signed a three-year contract worth $4.8 million in base salary. The Detroit News reported Friday that MSU athletic director J Batt added an extra year worth $1.7 million to Rossi's contract two days before this season's opener against Western Michigan, one of four wins in a 4-8 (1-8 Big Ten) season.

A 5-19 record over two seasons resulted in Jonathan Smith'

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