The Jonathan Smith era at Michigan State football is here, and things are moving quickly, as Smith assembles his staff with an attempt to get up to speed and prepared for recruiting, transfer portal moves, and more.
It is very interesting to see what Smith will do with his staff. Oregon State is a team that had less talent than MSU has the last two years, but has had way more success in that span than Michigan State (let’s just call it how it is), and several of the Beavers’ assistant coaches had earned a lot of respect around the country.
However, Smith won’t just be able to copy and paste his staff from Oregon State. It’s possible that at least one of those guys (likely Trent Bray, but we’ll see) will be a prime candidate to become the next head coach at Oregon State, and Smith will also need to grab a few assistant coaches who have experience recruiting in the Midwest and the South, which was a knock on Smith considering he’s spent his whole career recruiting on the West Coast.
Below, we will keep track of every new hire brought in by Smith to fill out his staff.
OL Coach: Jim Michalczik
Role: Offensive Line coach
Where he was before: Oregon State (2018-2023)
Story: Read Here
TE Coach: Brian Wozniak
Role: Tight Ends coach
Where he was before: Oregon State (2018-2023)
Story: Read Here
RB Coach: Keith Bhonapha
Director of Player Personnel: Cole Moore
Role: Director of Player Personnel
Where he was before: Oregon State (2023)
Story: Read Here
DB Coach: Blue Adams
Role: Defensive Backs coach
Where he was before: Oregon State (2019-2023)
Story: Read Here
OC: Brian Lindgren
Role: Offensive Coordinator
Where he was before: Oregon State (2018-2023)
Story: Read Here
Strength and Conditioning: Mike McDonald
Role: Strength and Conditioning coach
Where he was before: Oregon State (2017-2023)
Story: Read Here
Chief of Staff: Dan Van De Riet
Role: Chief of Staff
Where he was before: Oregon State (2001-2023)
Story: Read Here
DL Coach: Legi Suiaunoa
Role: Defensive Line Coach
Where he was before: Oregon State (2017-2023)
Story: Read Here
Director of Recruiting and Player Relations: Michael Doctor
Role: Director of Recruiting
Where he was before: Oregon State (2020-2023)
Director of Recruiting Communications: Austin D'Armond
Role: Director of Recruiting Communications
Where he was before: Oregon State (2021-2023)
DC: Joe Rossi
Role: Defensive Coordinator
Where he was before: Minnesota (2017-23)
Story: Read Here
WR Coach: Courtney Hawkins
Role: Wide Receivers Coach
Where he was before: Michigan State (2020-present)
Story: Read Here
