Overview
- Michigan State released a terms sheet showing at least $30 million over five years, a $4 million annual base, escalating supplemental pay to $3 million by 2030, and cumulative win bonuses with automatic extensions for seven regular-season wins in the first three years.
- If fired without cause, Fitzgerald would be owed 72.5% of remaining compensation, and his buyout to leave starts at $6.5 million after the 2026 season and declines annually to $1 million in 2030.
- Fitzgerald was introduced Tuesday, pledging to restore the program’s competitiveness and noting he spent his time away studying the sport’s new landscape, including roster funding and recruiting.
- Roster movement began immediately as leading rusher Makhi Frazier and top receiver Nick Marsh announced plans to enter the transfer portal, while 2026 four-star quarterback Kayd Coffman said he still intends to sign early with MSU.
- Fitzgerald replaces Jonathan Smith, who was dismissed after a 9-15 record over two seasons; Smith is owed a buyout reported at roughly $33 million as the Spartans seek a reset after recent struggles.