Local reporter 'expecting' MSU to hire Pat Fitzgerald on Monday

Per one local reporter, an official hiring for the next Michigan State head football coach is expected to occur before the end of today.

There is a lot of buzz and reports that Michigan State is set to hire former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald for that same position with the Spartans. But nothing, as of now, has been officially announced. Tony Paul of the Detroit News is expecting that to change before the end of today.

Paul took to social media on Monday morning to state he is "expecting" Michigan State to officially hire Fitzgerald on Monday, and "wouldn't be surprised" if he is introduced at the Spartans' basketball game against Iowa on Tuesday. This isn't necessarily a report from Paul, but does hold some weight as Paul has been connected with Michigan State athletics for a very long time.

Michigan State fired Jonathan Smith after two seasons on Sunday afternoon, and quickly the reports came out that Fitzgerald was expected to be hired as the next head coach. Those reports ranged from both local and national media insiders, and it seems all but certain that Fitzgerald will be taking over at Michigan State. We are now just waiting on the official word from the school.

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.

Stay with Spartans Wire for additional coverage on the firing of Smith and expected hiring of Fitzgerald as the next Michigan State head coach.

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Local reporter 'expecting' Spartans to hire Pat Fitzgerald on Monday