Magic Johnson Applauds Michigan State for Hiring Pat Fitzgerald as Head Football Coach
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Michigan State University formally introduced Pat Fitzgerald as its new head football coach on Tuesday, replacing Jonathan Smith after the Spartans posted a 9-15 record over the past two seasons, including 4-8 this year.
Fitzgerald, dismissed by Northwestern in 2023 amid a hazing investigation, returns to the Big Ten after the school later acknowledged he was unaware of the alleged misconduct. The 49-year-old now takes over a program that has not finished above .500 since the 2021 campaign.
Los Angeles Lakers icon and Michigan State alumnus Magic Johnson voiced his support for the hire on X (formerly Twitter) on Dec. 2, 2025, writing, “I was really inspired and encouraged by the words from Michigan State’s new head football coach Pat Fitzgerald. I love the fact that he has a proven track record of success coaching in the Big Ten! He also has strong relationships with high school coaches all over the Midwest.”
Johnson, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player in school history, remains a prominent supporter of Spartan athletics and maintains close ties with longtime men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo, whose team is 8-0 this season.
The Hall of Famer is also scheduled to serve as Grand Marshal of the Rose Parade on Jan. 1, 2026, and will take part in the pre-game ceremony for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the 112th Rose Bowl Game.
Source: Lakers Nation
