Fans, media react to MSU reportedly hiring Pat Fitzgerald as next head coach

Michigan State football has reportedly landed on its next head coach.

Things moved quickly for the Spartans on Sunday afternoon as Jonathan Smith was dismissed as the head coach, and only a few hours later it became apparent who would be taking over for him: former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Reports instantly surfaced that Fitzgerald was a "person of interest" for Michigan State, which was then followed up a hour or two later by local media stating he will be hired as the next coach.

Fitzgerald last coached at the collegiate level in 2022 after being fired amid a hazing scandal. He was later vindicated, though, after winning a lawsuit for wrongful termination by the school. Prior to his termination in 2023, Fitzgerald coached 17 seasons at Northwestern, where he compiled a record of 110-101. He won the Big Ten West Division twice, and reached a bowl game 10 times as the Wildcats' head coach.

When the news broke that Fitzgerald would be taking over as the Spartans next head coach, fans and media took to social media to express their thoughts on the hire. Here are some of the responses and feedback to the hire below:

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Social media reactions to MSU reportedly hiring Pat Fitzgerald as next head coach