The Spartans are now 0-5 in conference play, and patience with coach Jonathan Smith seems to have reached an all-time low. Michigan State fans haven’t had to face this kind of adversity in years — but it’s here now, and the hole feels too deep for Smith to climb out of.

Yes, it’s early in his tenure — just a season and a half in — but the returns so far have been bleak. After an uninspiring first season, there was at least a glimmer of hope heading into 2025. The Spartans started 3-0 in non-conference play and looked like they were building momentum. Then Big Ten competition hit, and the wheels fell off. Five straight losses to beatable teams have sent the program spiraling again.

So what now for Michigan State?

There’s still a path forward — but it starts with change. It’s clear that Aidan Chiles isn’t capable of carrying this team, and frankly hasn’t been sufficient even with help around him. His time as the starting quarterback should be over. It’s time to see what freshman Alessino Milivojević can do.

If the Spartans truly want to build for the future, they need to make that move now. Even with a slim chance at bowl eligibility — needing to win three of their last four against Maryland, Iowa, Penn State, and Minnesota — the focus should shift to development and identity. But let’s be honest: Smith will likely stick with Chiles, the Spartans might scrape together one conference win (maybe against Penn State), and finish worse than last season. That would put Smith at 9-15 through two years — both with “his” quarterback.

So outside of hoping for a miracle, what should Michigan State do with its coaching situation?

They should do everything in their power to bring Brian Kelly back to the state of Michigan.

Why Brian Kelly Makes Sense for Michigan State

• Became the winningest head coach in Notre Dame history, surpassing the legendary Knute Rockne.
• Has over 300 career coaching victories, making him one of the most successful active coaches in college football history.
• Led teams to the 2012 BCS National Championship Game and multiple College Football Playoff appearances in 2018 and 2020.
• Won multiple National Coach of the Year awards, including AP and Home Depot honors in 2009, 2012, and 2018.
• Built a dynasty at Grand Valley State, capturing back-to-back Division II national championships in 2002 and 2003.

Kelly was just fired from LSU after going 34-14 in four seasons. The expectations in Baton Rouge were sky-high, and while he didn’t deliver a national title, his success elsewhere speaks for itself. Michigan State has the facilities, NIL support, and fan base to attract a proven winner like Kelly — and he already has deep ties to the state.

He spent nearly two decades in Michigan, coaching Grand Valley State from 1987 to 2003 before leading Central Michigan from 2004 to 2006. From there, he built winning programs at Cincinnati, Notre Dame, and LSU — all at schools with high expectations and unique challenges.

With more than two decades of head coaching experience, Kelly might relish the chance to come back and build one last legacy in East Lansing. Michigan State has the potential and resources to rise again — they just need the right leader.

It’s time for the Spartans to think big, act bold, and do their due diligence. Throw everything you can at Brian Kelly. He’s a proven winner, a program builder, and exactly the kind of coach who could give Michigan State its next great era — a modern Mark Dantonio 2.0.