Michigan State football is in the market for a new coach after firing Jonathan Smith following two losing seasons.
There are plenty of candidates on the market (as well as plenty of jobs already hiring), but one that could intrigue is former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Wildcats lifer knows how to create sustained success within a program, taking Northwestern, his alma mater, from an intermittent winner to a perennial bowl team. (Fitzgerald was a star linebacker from 1996-98 at Northwestern.)
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 08: Head coach Pat Fitzgerald of the Northwestern Wildcats runs off the field after losing to the Wisconsin Badgers at Ryan Field on October 08, 2022 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)RETURN TO GLORY? Jonathan Smith fired: What's Michigan State football's path to success?
Then again, he took over in Evanston after Randy Walker died of a heart attack, continuing much of the rebuild accomplished by Gary Barnett.
Still, Northwestern has just five 10-win seasons in program history; Fitzgerald was the coach for three of them.
Here's what to know about the potential MSU target:
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIs Pat Fitzgerald a Michigan State football coaching candidate?
Free Press Spartans Insider Chris Solari's take: "The Northwestern alum was 110-101 at his alma mater from 2006-22 until a hazing scandal cost him his job. The 50-year-old recently settled a wrongful termination lawsuit he brought against Northwestern, which said he didn’t condone or direct the hazing, and is still young and energetic for a 17-year Big Ten coaching veteran and a strong fundraiser."
What happened at Pat Fitzgerald's last coaching stop?
Despite being Northwestern's winningest coach ever, Fitzgerald didn't have an entirely rosy run; the Wildcats went just 1-10 in his final season, with three losing seasons in his final four (and a 7-2 record and Citrus Bowl trip during the 2020 season sandwiched in the middle.
Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald reacts to a play against Michigan State during the first half at Spartan Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. Pat FitzgeraldWhat is Pat Fitzgerald's record against Michigan State football?
Fitzgerald went 5-9 in 14 games against the Spartans, with victories in 2007, 2012 and three straight from 2016-18. He's definitely comfortable in East Lansing; the Wildcats went 4-2 against MSU as visitors under Fitzgerald.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhat is Pat Fitzgerald's record against Michigan football?
Fitzgerald isn't as successful vs. the Wolverines, however, with a 1-9 record as Wildcats coach. His lone victory over U-M came in 2008 when Northwestern stunned the Wolverines, 21-14, at the Big House in Rich Rodriguez's first season.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Pat Fitzgerald a Michigan State football coach candidate? What to know
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