Pat Fitzgerald makes first statement since returning to coaching Big Ten football

Pat Fitzgerald makes first statement since returning to coaching Big Ten football originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Former Northwestern Wildcats coach Pat Fitzgerald returns to college football next fall after being named the new coach at Michigan State Monday afternoon with an impending introductory press conference scheduled for Tuesday.

After three full seasons away from the sport, Fitzgerald, who spent nearly three decades as a player and coach in Evanston, released a prepared statement about his fresh start in the same conference that made him who he is today.

He'll just be wearing different colors.

"I am honored to be named the head football coach at Michigan State University," Fitzgerald said. "I'd like to thank President Guskiewicz and Athletics Director Batt for this opportunity. This is a program with a deep and storied tradition, a passionate fan base, and a commitment to excellence that extends far beyond the football field. What excited me most about this opportunity was the vision for what Michigan State can be for years to come. We will restore tradition, and I'm eager to earn the trust of our players, alumni, and fans while competing at the highest level."

Fitzgerald has 110 Big Ten wins, as he'll look to quickly turn around a once-storied program.

Fitzgerald has full support from Spartans administration, including AD J Batt.

"Today marks the beginning of a new era for Michigan State Football," Batt said. "Pat Fitzgerald is widely recognized as an exceptional football coach, whose teams play with extreme toughness and grit, demonstrate continual improvement and maximize potential. Pat is an excellent fit for Michigan State Football, as he understands the Big Ten, has great relationships throughout the Midwest and embodies the values on which our program was built. His incredible passion will resonate throughout the program, connecting with all members of our Spartan community, including student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni and donors."

Even if winning doesn't come immediately, a critical pillar for why now-former coach Jonathan Smith was let go Sunday, Michigan State is willing to remain patient.

"As an institution, we are committed to providing the resources and infrastructure required to realize our shared vision of competing for championships, and with Pat leading the way, Spartan Football is positioned for sustained success at the Big Ten and national level," Batt added. "We are excited to welcome Pat, his wife, Stacy, and sons, Jack, Ryan and Brendan, to our Spartan family."

Fitzgerald will meet the media at 3 p.m. ET/noon PT, and, according to the release, Big Ten Network will air it in real-time across the country.

It's a new era in East Lansing, as the off-season is now finally underway for Michigan State after much uncertainty.