While it is not complete, it is a perfect time to break down and analyze the current status of Michigan State's defensive coaching staff.
Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald is in one of the most integral parts of his tenure in East Lansing, a time that could ultimately define his time leading the Spartans.
Fitzgerald is building his first coaching staff at Michigan State, and as everyone knows, a coach is only going to be as good as his staff. The new MSU head man is making headway on getting his staff together in East Lansing.
As of now, the defensive staff in East Lansing is shaping into a near complete form, with most of the major hires having been made by Fitzgerald.
With only a couple of hires left to be made, it is a perfect time to break down how the Spartans defensive staff is shaping up, and what is left to do for Fitzgerald:
Defensive Coordinator/Safeties coach: Joe Rossi
Joe Rossi was the first major coaching decision Fitzgerald made, retaining the Spartans defensive coordinator for 2026. A big part of the reason Fitzgerald made the move to retain Rossi was how impressed he was with Rossi's tenure at Minnesota, where Fitzgerald got a front row a seat while at Northwestern.
Rossi is a polarizing figure in East Lansing, with his MSU tenure not going to plan in two years, but a lot people recognizing how good his potential could be, especially when looking at his past.
All in all, Fitzgerald tabbed Rossi to be his guy, and MSU fans are going to continue to stay behind him. As of now, he is also slated to be the team's safeties coach, but that is subject to change.
RESUME:
- 2001–2002: Thiel (DL)
- 2003–2006: Thiel (DC/LB)
- 2007–2008: Maine (ST/DB)
- 2009–2011: Maine (DC/LB)
- 2012–2013: Rutgers (ST)
- 2014–2015: Rutgers (DC/S)
- 2017: Minnesota (QC)
- 2018: Minnesota (DL)
- 2018: Minnesota (Interim DC/LB)
- 2019–2023: Minnesota (DC/LB)
- 2024–present: Michigan State (DC/LB)
Co-Defensive Coordinator/LB coach: Max Bullough
Maybe the most impactful hire Fitzgerald could have made, he brought a Spartan legend home, tabbing Max Bullough as the next co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. The Spartans were able to poach Bullough from Notre Dame, where he has been a standout assistant coach.
Rossi will assume play calling duties for the defense, but Bullough will have a big impact on what the defense looks like, and will bring a classic mindset to an MSU defense that has lost its identity.
RESUME:
- 2019: Cincinnati (GA)
- 2020-2022: Alabama (GA)
- 2023: Notre Dame (GA)
- 2024-2025: Notre Dame (LB)
- 2026-Present: Michigan State (Co-DC/LB)
DL Coach: Vacant
Do Fitzgerald and Rossi have candidates in mind, and are seemingly close to making a hire? Yes. The sad part is that none of those candidates are currently known, and the fanbase is going to have to wait.
The one thing we do know as of now, Legi Suiaunoa will most likely not be returning to East Lansing, seemingly eyeing the west coast for a position.
CB coach: James Adams
Regardless of Rossi's retention, it sounds like James Adams was going to be retained by Fitzgerald, who was blown away with the MSU defensive backs coach in an interview.
Adams being retained will be massive in trying to keep key pieces in the room, including Aydan West, who Adams was a main recruiter for.
Not to be confused with Blue Adams, who also coached DBs under Jonathan Smith, who will not be retained by Michigan State.
There is a possibility that Adams moves back to safeties coach (where he spent 2025), if the Spartans decide Rossi will solely be a DC and they add another position coach. Either way, Adams will be staying in East Lansing to coach defensive backs.
RESUME:
- 2009: Wake Forest (GA)
- 2010: Wofford (CB)
- 2011-2018: Charlotte (S/ST/AHC)
- 2019: Western Michigan (CB)
- 2020: Navy (CB)
- 2021: Purdue (CB)
- 2022-2024: Wake Forest (S/AHC)
- 2025-Present: Michigan State (S)
Rush ends: Vacant
It has been indicated that the Spartans want to add a rush ends coach into the mix, but it will not be retaining Chad Wilt in the mix. The Spartans will be looking for fresh blood to coach rush ends.
Summary
Michigan State has three hires completed, and all three look like aces, with Rossi, Bullough and Adams taking major position groups. Now, the defensive line is all that is left for MSU to get squared away, which should happen pretty quickly.
As indicated, there is a chance that MSU adds another defensive back coach and leaves Rossi to just being the defensive coordinator, but it is unclear which route they will go just yet.
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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Updating and analyzing Michigan State's current defensive staff
Category: General Sports
