Potential new gig for Jonathan Smith is reportedly off the table

A potential landing spot, should Michigan State football and Jonathan Smith part ways, is now off the table for the current Spartans head coach.

CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz reported on Thursday night that Oregon State was "targeting" Alabama co-offensive coordinator JaMarcus Shephard as its next head coach. That report was even furthered by Pete Thamel of ESPN on Friday morning, with Thamel reporting Shephard agreed to a five-year deal with the Beavers.

Why is this significant to Michigan State you may ask? Well, some thought there was a chance Smith could return to Oregon State should the Spartans either dismiss him or he leave on his own after the season. As you should know by now, Smith played quarterback for the Beavers and came to Michigan State after serving as their head coach for six seasons from 2018 to 2023. So there was some (including myself) who wondered if there would be a re-connection between Smith and Oregon State ever since they made a coaching change midseason.

Smith is in his second season as the Spartans head coach and it has not gone well so far, putting him firmly on the hot seat as we enter the final game of the season on Saturday against Maryland. Smith is 8-15 in his first two seasons as the head coach, and Michigan State is currently 3-8 overall and 0-8 in Big Ten play this year.

There has been plenty of chatter and speculation that a coaching change could becoming as soon as Sunday, but there has been no indication from Michigan State leadership and athletic J Batt on what is next for Smith. We at least know now, that a return to Oregon State is no longer an option for him.

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Potential new coaching job for Jonathan Smith is reportedly off the table