- Program
- Michigan State
- Level
- FBS
- In Role Since
- 2024
- Conference
- Big Ten
- Education
- Oregon State University, 2001 (liberal studies)
Profile
Jonathan Smith is the head football coach at Michigan State University since 2024, bringing experience as the former head coach at Oregon State from 2018 to 2023. Noted for talent development and program building, Smith earned Pac-12 Co-Coach of the Year honors in 2022 and led Oregon State to multiple winning seasons and bowl appearances. He has coached numerous All-Americans and NFL Draft picks and emphasizes building a competitive culture and strong academic performance.
Coaching Approach
Smith's approach centers on developing versatile and fundamentally sound players, maintaining balanced offensive and defensive strategies, and fostering a tough home-field advantage. He has developed high-performing offensive lines and emphasized disciplined, high-efficiency defenses. Smith focuses on player versatility and recruiting top talent, as evidenced by multiple All-American players and consistent bowl appearances, combining on-field success with strong academic achievement.
Career Highlights
- Named Pac-12 Co-Coach of the Year (2022)
- Led Oregon State to an 8-4 regular season and third consecutive bowl appearance in 2023
- Coached 10 All-Americans and 22 NFL Draft picks during his career
Sources
This is an independent editorial profile. It does not indicate that the coach controls an athlete profile, has joined Fite Football, or has been approved for recruiter access. Submit factual corrections with a source.