🚨BREAKING: Michigan State Officially Says Goodbye to Jonathan Smith — Shocking Breakup That Sends Fans into a Frenzy.
EAST LANSING, Michigan – As rumored throughout college sports, the Michigan State Spartans have officially announced the firing of head coach Jonathan Smith, ending a reign that lasted just two seasons. The snap decision, just one day after the team finished the season with a disappointing 4-8 record, dealt a devastating blow to the stability of the program and sent the Spartans fan base into an unprecedented emotional turmoil.
The departure of Smith, who was expected to revive MSU after the Mel Tucker scandal, was described as a “necessary choice” by Athletic Director (AD) J Batt. While Smith was praised for bringing integrity and a culture of professionalism, the results on the field were a different story. With a 9-15 record and just four Big Ten wins, the Spartans have shown no signs of improvement, and have even regressed in their second season (1-8 in the 2025 Big Ten).
For a program that has the standard to compete for a Big Ten championship, this result is unacceptable. The disconnect between Smith’s quiet demeanor and the passionate fan base in East Lansing has created a major rift that has made the pressure for his ouster irreversible.
The Price of Change
The most shocking part is the huge financial cost to MSU. Under the terms of the contract, the early termination will require the school to pay Smith approximately $33 million in severance payments. This is a staggering figure that raises serious questions about the program’s financial stewardship, especially when it is facing severance payments and penalties from previous scandals.
AD J Batt, who took over in June, has proven decisive. In an official statement, he emphasized that “we have not met the standards for Michigan State Football,” and that the change was necessary to “chart a new direction for the program.” The decision shows Batt’s willingness to take financial risks to ensure long-term success.
A Chaotic Future: The Hunt for a New Coach

Now, attention has turned to MSU’s second head coaching search in less than two years. With the Big Ten poised to expand to include heavyweights like Oregon and USC, the decision is a do-or-die one. Fans are going crazy as sources close to the situation have floated a slew of big names, from experienced candidates like Matt Campbell (Iowa State) to controversial choices like Pat Fitzgerald (former Northwestern coach).
Smith’s departure immediately raised concerns about the stability of the roster, especially with the upcoming opening of the Transfer Portal. Will key recruits or talented players like Aidan Chiles remain under new leadership?

The departure of Jonathan Smith closed a short but tumultuous chapter. MSU has hit the reset button once again. Despite the high cost, Spartan fans are living in a feverish excitement, waiting to see who AD Batt will choose to lead MSU through the turbulent waters and regain its position at the top.