New Michigan State Spartans coach Pat Fitzgerald has had to adjust to the new era of college football since returning to the Big Ten in December ahead of the 2026 season. Simply put, it isn't easy.
Pat Fitzgerald uncovers massive Michigan State football rebuild task he had to adjust to originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
New Michigan State Spartans coach Pat Fitzgerald didn't hold back when discussing some of the key adjustments needed to bring the football program back to national relevance.
Whether it's a two-year turnaround similar to Indiana Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti's eventual undefeated national championship season that was capped off last month, or a five-year plan, the foundation of a stable recruiting base is a key priority before looking too far ahead, as Fitzgerald put it.
“We have to get back to that fundamental edge, that mental and emotional edge, and then just that era of physicality,” Fitzgerald told reporters.. “You have to practice hard to play hard, and that’s what we’re going to start going on. Everybody’s going to do it their way, but we’re going to do it the Spartan way. Our guys are embracing it, and that’s all I could ask right now.”
Fitzgerald said doing so requires a level of trust and an edge that may take a bit of a collective effort, but it needs to start from within on the recruiting trail.
MORE:Why Ohio State' Ryan Day doesn't deserve to be top-ranked coach before 2026 season
So far, everything is status quo.
"Frankly, I think it’s just maybe a little bit more, just building relationships with the coaches in the state," Fitzgerald said. "I would obviously come to the state of Michigan when I was at my previous institution, it might be for a day, you know, I think I spent four or five days here, you know, through that two-week period, give or take, maybe not a full day, but wrapping up some things."
MORE: CBS Sports brutally ranks $54 million Big Ten coach as seat gets warmer after 4-8 season
Fitzgerald has to undergo an extensive rebuild as he succeeds Jonathan Smith who was dismissed at the end of this past season.
The Spartans open their season against the Toledo Rockets Sept. 5.
More Big Ten news
Category: General Sports
