Skip to content

Ad Disclosure

Michigan State has top target with coaching search ‘nearing conclusion,’ per report

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Michigan State reportedly has a top candidate for the head coaching vacancy lined up with the expectation of the search nearing its conclusion.

According to John Brice with FootballScoop, the Spartans have landed on current Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith as the top target for the head coaching vacancy. Brice cited multiple sources, including one saying Smith “is the focus” after MSU talked “to a lot of guys.”

“Barring something unforeseen, he is the target,” a source told FootballScoop midweek.

Added another, “Jonathan Smith is the focus. They’ve talked to a lot of guys, but he is who they want.”

Smith might be the frontrunner, but Brice also reported sources that indicated MSU officials have spoken with Duke’s Mike Elko, Toledo’s Jason Candle, NC State’s Dave Doeren and Pitt’s Pat Narduzzi. Interim head coach Harlon Barnett has been “evaluated” as a candidate.

In a recent interview, Smith was asked about his future at Oregon State, and the head coach admitted he has an agent that “best be finding out what is out there.” Smith noted he was not looking to be sarcastic but said that the reality of the situation as a head coach is having an agent to see what is potentially out there.

As for Smith’s credentials, he took over a Beaver program that went 9-39 from 2015-18. Since then, Smith has gone 34-34 overall but has gone 25-12 since the start of the 2021 season.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.