Pat Fitzgerald
Head coach at Michigan State (year 1 in 2026). Former long-tenured head coach at Northwestern where he went 1-8 in Big Ten play in each of his final three non-COVID seasons (3-24 combined). Hired to rebuild Michigan State, which has fallen dramatically since its CFP appearance. OC is Nick Sheridan, who tends to favor a strong rushing attack. QB situation: someone named Aliso presumed starter, taking over for Aidan Chiles (who transferred to Northwestern).
Dan's view: doesn't love the hire but will reserve judgment. The entire 2026 season may hinge on one game: at Michigan on November 7th.
Running Takes
- 2026-03-26: 2026-03-26 Michigan State Can't Seem to Fix Defensive Line — DL recruiting is the structural gap at his new job
- 2026-05-07: 2026-05-07 Pat Fitzgerald to Michigan State Is a Stupid Hire — show's verdict on the hire itself
- 2026-05-07: 2026-05-07 Modern Hires Reward Risk Not Safety — the structural frame the hire is read against
Episode Appearances
- 2026-03-26 Missing Pieces - What Your College Football Team Can't Seem To Fix
- 2026-04-16 Typotheticals - Season Scenario Vibe Checks
- 2026-05-07 May Q&A Part 2 — show's full critique of the Michigan State hire