Jonathan Smith releases statement after accepting Michigan State job

Jonathan Smith released a statement following the news of his hire at Michigan State. The former Oregon State head coach thanked his players and colleagues with the Beavers.

Smith, who played at Oregon State, leaves his alma mater a winner, finishing the 2023 season with an 8-4 record. He won 10 games in 2022.

Smith will begin a tenure at Michigan State immediately but first sent a thank you to Oregon State.

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— Jonathan Smith (@Coach_Smith) November 25, 2023

“As I start this next chapter of my coaching career, I want to first thank all the players, coaches, and colleagues I have worked with the last (six) years,” Smith said. “I will cherish the memories and friendships. I also want to express my deepest gratitude to the people of OSU/Corvallis for your support. When I first arrived as a freshman college student, I had no idea the opportunities and relationships this community would provide for me and my family.

“The collective impact you have made makes it impossible for me to thank everyone individually, but I am forever grateful.”

Smith went 34-35 in six seasons at Oregon State, including a 10-3 season in 2022 that finished with a Las Vegas Bowl win.

“Today is an exciting day for Michigan State as we welcome Jonathan Smith, wife Candice, and children Robert, Bella and Charles to our Spartan family,” MSU Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Alan Haller said in a statement. “Jonathan has a proven track record of success, building the Oregon State program from the ground up by implementing a plan resulting in sustained historic success for the Beavers.

“He’s been a part of championship staffs, coached in the College Football playoff, and understands what’s required to be successful at the highest level, learning from some of the game’s most successful coaches.”

Haller was very complimentary of Smith’s job done at Oregon State.

“On the field, his teams are tough and physical, yet innovative,” Haller said. “This year, Oregon State has controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, ranking among the nation’s leaders in both rushing offense and rushing defense. He’s shown not only the ability to recruit talented student-athletes who fit his system, but also to develop and maximize players once they’re in the program.

“At his core, he’s a quarterbacks coach, and throughout his career he’s been instrumental in the development of young quarterbacks, which is essential in today’s college football landscape.”