Pat Fitzgerald Officially Sworn In as Michigan State’s 27th Head Coach

Yesterday marked the beginning of a brand-new chapter in Michigan State football history—one Spartan fans hope ends with big wins, Big Ten titles, playoff success, and maybe even a national championship. Lofty expectations? Sure. But if you're still reading, let’s get right to the meat and potatoes.

Pat Fitzgerald stepped to the podium for his first press conference as Michigan State’s head coach, and from the jump he couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. He opened by praising MSU’s president and athletic director, and he made sure to thank Tom Izzo and Mark Dantonio as well. While discussing Izzo, Fitzgerald delivered his first joke of the day:

“I won’t bother the refs. I see we’re sitting courtside tonight. I hear I’m pretty tame and don’t show a lot of emotion.”

Anyone familiar with Fitzgerald’s sideline passion got a good laugh out of that one.

Later that night at the Breslin Center, Fitzgerald grabbed a microphone during a timeout and jumped into the middle of the court to pump up the crowd during MSU’s win over Iowa. Before wrapping up his opening remarks, he thanked his family—this time holding back emotion.

Once he turned to the team itself, Fitzgerald wasted no time leaning into Michigan State’s rich identity and tradition.

“We develop our young men as people, students and world-class athletes.”

“The choice of our attitude and the choice of our investment. Smile on our face, swagger to our walk, happiness and confidence, and relentless investment.”

“What excites me most about MSU is a top-ten athletics department—and that can be driven forward. Spartan Stadium is a hard place to play. I know personally.”

He spoke about building an elite staff, elevating recruiting, and restoring MSU’s physical brand of football.

“To the players, I promise you this: I can’t wait to get to work. A coaching staff fully invested in your development academically, personally, and athletically. We will play smart, tough football and hold ourselves to the top standards.”

“We are going to start and end our recruiting here in Michigan.”

“Jonathan Smith is a great man, terrific person.”

He also hinted—without naming it—at the rivalry game every Spartan cares about:

“MSU has historically competed for Big Ten championships. We will need everyone to buy in—players, coaches, alumni, fans, ex-players. Toughness was born here in Michigan State football. There’s one game that means a little bit more than the others. I’ll just leave that alone.”

Then he wrapped with a simple, classic send-off:

“Great day to be a Spartan. Go Green.”

After three years away from college football, how hungry are you?

“I’ve been coaching as an offensive assistant at a high school. Talk about humble pie… This will always be about the players. As far as my motivation, you don’t have to ask me about that. I’ve been dreaming about this day for a long time… There’ll be no more motivated coach to get this program where it needs to be. I promise you.”

Are you prepared for the transfer portal era?

“You have to evolve and be flexible… be ready and nimble to change just like that… ready to adapt and evolve.”

When did you first think MSU could be the right fit?

“I’m a Midwest guy, a Midwest player. Michigan State would be a desirable coaching spot for any coach.”

What’s your message to players who haven’t beaten Michigan or seen a winning season?

“We need to win. We need a hostile home environment. The 12th person will be the student body and all the other fans—but most importantly the student section.”

How will you build your staff?

“First I’m looking for great people—coaches who are great human beings… who can teach the game. But with signing day tomorrow, we’re focused on getting the kids over the goal line. Then the staff.”

With all the national openings, why MSU?

“After MSU and I talked, it was quick. But seeing my boys smile… my excitement went up and up. To be a Big Ten player myself with a neck roll on—and to beat Michigan multiple times with a neck roll on—I’m a Big Ten guy.”

Pat Fitzgerald doesn’t face an easy task, and the modern college football landscape won’t give him four or five years to figure things out. With roster turnover, portal chaos, and NCAA restrictions looming, he has a lot to accomplish—and fast.

But if his first day on the job is any indication, he’s not just ready for the challenge. He’s fired up for it.