Michigan State set to hire former Big Ten defensive coordinator, per reports

Michigan State is reportedly adding former Indiana co-defensive coordinator Chad Wilt to Jonathan Smith’s staff, according to 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz.

Wilt will serve as a defensive assistant on staff in East Lansing. Wilt served on Tom Allen’s staff from 2022-2023. Before coming to Indiana, Wilt worked at Minnesota with the defensive line from 2020-2021, coaching players like Boye Mafe, who now plays for the Seattle Seahawks.

Wilt previously coached the defensive line at Cincinnati, Army, Maryland, Ball State, Richmond, Virginia, Liberty and Central Connecticut State.

Michigan State is expected to hire former Indiana co-defensive coordinator Chad Wilt as a defensive assistant coach, sources tell @247sports.

Before Indiana, Wilt was defensive line coach at Minnesota and coached players like 2022 second-round pick Boye Mafe. Worked with new… pic.twitter.com/Bp6G6CtuVQ

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 3, 2024

Smith is reuniting Wilt with former Minnesota defensive coordinator Joe Rossi. Rossi joined the Spartans after being the DC for the Golden Gophers since 2018. Other big additions to Smith’s staff include former Oregon State offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren.

The Spartans need all the help they can get on defense. The defense was one of the worst in the B1G this past season, allowing 13th-most yards per game (388.8).

Michigan State’s staff under Smith is still coming together. The Spartans missed out on a bowl game for the 2nd year in a row after a 4-8 finish.