Pat Fitzgerald’s first Michigan State football coaching staff is starting to take shape from within.

The Spartans plan to retain defensive coordinator Joe Rossi as well as safeties coach James Adams, according to a report from ESPN.

Rossi joined Smith's original staff before the 2024 season after spending six seasons with Minnesota as the linebackers coach and defensive coordinator. It was an OK first season for Rossi's unit, which finished 77th in the country with 26.1 points per game allowed while ranking 32nd in the nation in rushing defense (125.1 yards per game) and 34th in total defense (332 yards).

This season, though: After the Spartans held Western Michigan to just six points in the season opener – with the Broncos scoring on a pick-six from then-backup quarterback Ales

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