Jonathan Smith: Conference realignment not a major factor in decision to leave Oregon State

By Jonathan Smith’s own admission, the new Michigan State football coach was already considering what his next challenge in coaching might be. So when the Spartans came calling, the then-Oregon State coach was primed to listen and hear out athletic director Alan Haller.

Though his departure came as the Pac-12 disintegrated, leaving Oregon State (and Washington State) to fend for themselves, Smith said that backdrop didn’t play an outsized role in his decision to head to the Big Ten. Four of the teams from the Pac-12 will be in the Big Ten going forward.

“Not a major factor,” Smith said of the realignment at his introductory presser. “Like I tried to describe it to my team: Look, the instability, conference realignment, all of this stuff, there’s something brewing in me of the idea of going somewhere if the fit was right. And just being really selective on that. So yeah, other opportunity here or there, wasn’t interested. Just the more I engaged in conversation with Michigan State, I got more and more excited about it.”

A former Oregon State quarterback and southern California native, Smith was wistful for the dissolution of a league he grew up watching.

Smith actually grew up near the Rose Bowl, and fondly remembers all the times he’d watch the Big Ten and Pac-12 square off.

“You know me, I’m a West Coast guy, Pac-12 guy, conference of champions, I think it is kind of sad in general for that thing to blow up, with the history of that place. I go back to where I was born and raised, going to the Rose Bowl and the Big Ten is playing the Pac-12 and all of that. But I’m genuinely excited to be a part of the Big Ten, part of this place. And so that excitement just grew on me,” Smith said. 

Smith outlined his early plans for the coaching staff

Smith emphasized that he wants a staff of people who he trusts to develop the team. He also noted that there are already a lot of coaches who he is comfortable with from his time at Oregon State, implying that many will come with him.

“The intention is to build a staff with great men, who are great teachers, who are elite people, that will invest in the lives of the players,” Smith said. “Yes, there is a crew who’s been with me for a long time. They’re the reason I’m standing in front of you. So, yes, they’ll be a part of that.”

For Smith, recruiting in the Midwest is going to be a concern. A California native who played for Oregon State, his previous stops include schools like Idaho, Montana, Boise State, and Washington. So, to address that lack of ties, he’s going to look at finding coaches with a stronger local background to Michigan State.

“It’s not an elephant in the room, I have a lack of and I don’t have a lot of deep ties to the Midwest, I cannot wait to get engaged and dial into the high school coaches in Michigan. At the same time, a staff reflecting some background there will be an intention on this staff. There were some good coaches that are currently here, a few of those guys I will be talking to,” Smith said.

“We will take some time to put this together because you got to get these things right and have the right mix and fit, some continuity that has been around and can speak the language from the get-go. Midwest ties will be an attention and the exploring some of the coaches here.”