Robert Bondy, Spartans WireSun, November 30, 2025 at 8:42 PM UTC·1 min readMichigan State football will reportedly have one of its current staffers take over as the interim head coach amid the firing of Jonathan Smith.
Smith was officially dismissed from his position as head coach at Michigan State on Sunday afternoon, ending a saga that has been ongoing for months. The Spartans have no more games this year but according to 247Sports insider Matt Zenitz, Michigan State defensive coordinator Joe Rossi will serve as the interim head coach.
With the season over it may seem odd for Michigan State to name an interim head coach but that is often the common procedure. It is also notable that the early signing period for recruits begins this week so my assumption is that Rossi will lead those efforts while the Spartans begin their search for its next head coach. This also could be an opportunity for Rossi to earn goodwill with the next head coach and remain on the Spartans' coaching staff moving forward.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMichigan State finished this season 4-8 overall and 1-8 in Big Ten play. This rough season was ultimately too much for Smith to survive as the head coach, and new athletic director J Batt made the move to dismiss him on Sunday. Now, Michigan State will move forward in a coaching search to name its next head coach.
Stay with Spartans Wire for more coverage on the dismissal of Smith and what's next for Michigan State moving forward.
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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: MSU DC Joe Rossi will reportedly serve as Spartans interim head coach
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