Jonathan Smith appears to be the coach Michigan State needs nearly a year after allegations against Mel Tucker caused major issues for the program.
Smith, who is known for his steady approach and experience in turning teams around, contrasts with Tucker’s failed attempt to present a dynamic persona in a difficult situation.
The 45-year-old Smith helped his transition by bringing some players and coaches from Oregon State and by convincing key Michigan State players to stay.
“They could have chosen to go somewhere else — and they chose us,” Smith said in an interview with The Associated Press. “I do feel good about that part. These guys want to be here, they love football and we’re going to put this thing together.”
Michigan State’s football team struggled last September when it was revealed that Tucker had sexually harassed activist and rape survivor Brenda Tracy during a phone call.
Tucker was suspended and later fired, and he recently filed a federal lawsuit. Tucker had signed a $95 million contract after leading the team to 11 wins in 2022.
The Spartans lost eight of their last 10 games last season. Smith’s task is to rebuild the team, which isn’t the first time he’s done this.
As a former Beavers quarterback, Smith took over at Oregon State in 2018 after the team had just one win, and he led them to 25 victories in the next three years. He was named Pac-12 Coach of the Year two years ago.
While expectations for Smith’s first season are low from outsiders, he is aiming for more than just rebuilding.
“We definitely want to win now, and we want to win more than we lose,” he said. “We want to be playing our best football at the end of the year, when ideally we’re playing meaningful games.”
