Pat Fitzgerald has emerged as the target of Michigan State's coaching search, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel on Sunday night, confirming a report. The sides are working toward a deal, which is expected to be finalized in the near future.

The anticipated arrival of Fitzgerald comes after Michigan State fired Jonathan Smith on Sunday, two years after he was hired, and one day after the Spartans defeated Maryland to conclude the regular season.

"The 2025 football season has not lived up to our shared standards for Michigan State Football," athletic director J Batt said in a statement. "While that does not fall solely on Jonathan Smith, it's become necessary to make a coaching change in order to chart a new direction for the program."

The 50-year-old Fitzgerald reached a settlement with No

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