Jonathan Smith Hired as Michigan State's New Head Coach Amid Competitive Pursuit

Smith's Seven-Year Contract Begins as Michigan State Prepares for Big Ten Expansion

Jonathan Smith has been hired as the new head coach for Michigan State, with a seven-year contract starting at $7.25 million in the first year.
Smith was hired after a competitive process, with Michigan State's athletic director, Alan Haller, stating that he 'had to step up his pursuit' due to interest from other Power 5 teams.
Michigan State is coming off a 4-8 season and the firing of former head coach Mel Tucker, amid a sexual misconduct complaint.
Smith has experience turning programs around, having taken Oregon State from a one-win team to a 10-win team last year, earning him Co-Pac-12 Coach of the Year.
As the Big Ten expands to include former Pac-12 schools Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA, Haller believes Smith's experience coaching against these teams gives him a 'jumpstart'.