Kirk Herbstreit approves of a major move by Jonathan Smith in shaping his Michigan State coaching staff.

A few days ago, it was reported that Smith was looking to bring on Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive coordinator Joe Rossi. On Thursday, Michigan State made the hiring of Rossi official.

Rossi’s transition from Minnesota to Michigan State got the attention of Herbstreit. The ESPN College GameDay analyst praised the Spartans for hiring an “outstanding coach.”

Rossi was Minnesota’s defensive coordinator from 2018 to this season. He also coached linebackers for the Golden Gophers.

Rossi is now part of Smith’s MSU coaching staff that consists of Blue Adams (secondary) and Legi Suiaunoa (defensive line). The Spartans’ staff on the offensive side of the ball features Brian Lindgren (OC/QBs), Jim Michalczik (OL/run game coordinator), Brian Wozniak (TEs/Recruiting coordinator) and Keith Bhonapha (asst. head coach/RBs).

In 2022, Rossi anchored a top-5 defense at Minnesota. The Golden Gophers’ defense allowed just 13.8 points per game, the fourth-best mark in the country. Minnesota also held six of its opponents to 10 points or less last season.