Michigan State has appointed Jonathan Smith, formerly the head coach of Oregon State football, for the same position, following the conclusion of both teams’ regular seasons.
Smith, 44, concluded Oregon State’s regular season with a loss to Oregon, finishing with an 8-4 record. Sources indicate that Smith informed the Beavers’ team of his decision to join Michigan State on Saturday morning.
In response, Oregon State has named Kefense Hynson, responsible for coaching wide receivers and serving as the passing game coordinator, as the interim coach. During his six seasons at his alma mater, Smith, a former Beavers quarterback, compiled a record of 34-35 but notably achieved an 18-7 record since the start of the 2022 campaign.
“As I start this next chapter of my coaching career, I want to first thank all the players, coaches and colleagues I have worked with the last six years,” Smith said in a statement Saturday. “I will cherish the memories and friendships. I also wanted to express my deepest gratitude to the people of OSU/Corvallis for your support.
When I first arrived as a freshman college student, I had no idea the opportunities and relationships this community would provide for me and my family. The collective impact you have made makes it impossible for me to thank everyone individually, but I am forever grateful.”
In 2022, he shared the Pac-12 Coach of the Year honors with Washington’s Kalen DeBoer, guiding Oregon State to a 10-3 season and a No. 17 national ranking.
“Jonathan has a proven track record of success, building the Oregon State program from the ground up by implementing a plan resulting in sustained historic success for the Beavers,” Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller said in a statement.
“He’s been a part of championship staffs, coached in the College Football playoff, and understands what’s required to be successful at the highest level, learning from some of the game’s most successful coaches. On the field, his teams are tough and physical, yet innovative.
This year, Oregon State has controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, ranking among the nation’s leaders in both rushing offense and rushing defense.”
Smith’s appointment is pending approval from Michigan State’s board of trustees, and the official introduction is anticipated early next week.
The university terminated coach Mel Tucker for cause on September 27, following his suspension earlier in the month. An investigation into Tucker ensued after a sexual misconduct allegation by Brenda Tracy, a sexual assault awareness speaker who addressed the MSU team.
Tucker, in his role since 2020, faced termination despite having nearly $79 million remaining on his 2021 contract and is pursuing legal action for wrongful termination. Interim coach Harlon Barnett took charge, and the Spartans concluded the season with a 4-8 record, culminating in a 42-0 loss to No. 11 Penn State at Detroit’s Ford Field.
Following consideration of various FBS head coaches, Michigan State honed in on Smith last week. Smith, known for qualities reminiscent of former MSU coach Mark Dantonio, is recognized as a skilled talent developer. Dantonio led the Spartans to success in the Big Ten with six AP top-15 finishes and a College Football Playoff appearance from 2010 to 2017.
Smith, who initially joined Oregon State as a walk-on and led the team to 11 wins and a No. 4 finish in 2000, returned to his alma mater after serving as Washington’s offensive coordinator under Chris Petersen for four seasons. His coaching experience also includes stints at Boise State, Montana, and Idaho.
Despite being a California native with coaching experience limited to the Northwest, Smith’s arrival coincides with the Big Ten’s expansion to the region in 2024, including Washington and Oregon, alongside USC and UCLA.
This hiring marks the second in this coaching cycle, with Northwestern’s interim coach David Braun securing a permanent role.
