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Jonathan Smith bringing key core of Oregon State staff to MSU, per report
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Jonathan Smith is in East Lansing as he takes the reins of the Michigan State program. There’s no denying the task in front of him following recent off-field issues under Mel Tucker and the 4-8 record under Tucker and interim head coach Harlon Barnett during 2023.
Now, the task becomes finding the right coaching staff to tackle the rebuild for Smith. So far, he is getting a jumpstart by reportedly bringing multiple key pieces from his Oregon State staff to East Lansing.
According to Justin Thind with 247 Sports, Smith is hiring TEs coach Brian Wozniak, RBs coach Keith Bhonapha, DBs coach Blue Adams, and strength and conditioning coach Mike McDonald. Thind also included OSU chief of staff Dan Van De Riet is expected to come to Michigan State.
SOURCES: Jonathan Smith will hire former #OregonState strength & conditioning coach Mike McDonald for the same role at Michigan State.
We’re also hearing that former OSU chief of staff Dan Van De Riet (@DVDizzle) will come to MSU after 20 years at OSU.https://t.co/nfvhnJ756v pic.twitter.com/wJhQLXXtmp
— Justin Thind (@JustinThind) November 26, 2023
It was previously reported Smith is expected to bring offensive line coach Jim Michalczik, a Broyles Award nominee, to his staff. Michalczik also served as the run game coordinator and associate head coach under Smith while with the Beavers.
Michalczik and Wozniak were part of a trio of assistants Smith was expected to prioritize for his MSU staff. The third member of that group is Oregon State DC Trent Bray. Nothing has been finalized, but if reports hold true, Smith should have a strong core in place to begin his MSU tenure.
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.