Michigan State hires former Oregon State staffer Jon Boyer as QB coach

Michigan State has hired Oregon State tight ends coach Jon Boyer as its next quarterbacks coach, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Boyer spent six seasons at Oregon State, five of which were under current Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith.

This past season was Boyer’s first as the team’s tight ends coach. He previously served as Oregon State’s quality control coach and senior advisor on offense.

In the 2024 campaign, Oregon State tight end Jermaine Terry II was the Beavers’ second-leading receiver with 23 receptions for 375 yards. During his time at Oregon State, Boyer also mentored standouts such as quarterbacks DJ Uiagalelei and Jake Luton.

Before serving at Oregon State, Boyer spent six seasons as Northern Colorado‘s offensive coordinator. While there, Boyer mentored quarterback Seth Lobato, who broke nearly every passing record in program history.

Boyer also has experience behind the facemask. He played quarterback at Northern Colorado in the 2000 and 2001 seasons. He played in 22 games, passing for 4,529 yards and 32 touchdowns. He boasts the fourth-most passing touchdowns in program history.

Now, he’ll look to bring his vast knowledge of the game to East Lansing, Michigan. The Spartans finished with a 5-7 record in Smith’s first season at the helm. Aidan Chiles was the team’s starting quarterback, completing 59.4% of his pass attempts for 2,415 yards and 13 touchdowns while throwing 11 interceptions this season.

Boyer is already familiar with Chiles’ game. The sophomore QB spent his freshman season in 2023 at Oregon State before following Smith to Michigan State. The Spartans will also welcome three-star freshman Leo Hannan to the quarterback room this offseason.

Jon Boyer will take over for Brian Lindgren, who spent last season as Michigan State’s quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator. Lindgren will remain Michigan State’s offensive coordinator.

However, according to SpartanMag, the program is still in the market for a new defensive backs coach to replace Demetrice Martin, who left for UCLA earlier this offseason. According to a recent NCAA rule change, there is no limit to the number of on-field coaches one team can possess.

Evidently, Michigan State is more than happy to add more coaching talent where it deems necessary. With Boyer hired, the Spartans will look to continue to build upon their momentum as they head into Smith’s second season in the driver’s seat.