Oregon State AD Scott Barnes releases statement after Jonathan Smith leaves for Michigan State

Michigan State has its next head coach, hiring Jonathan Smith away from Oregon State on Saturday. The decision came less than 24 hours after the Beavers lost the Civil War rivalry game against Oregon, and it means the Spartans’ coaching search is over.

For OSU, not only does it mean it lost a notable alumnus, but it also has to start a search of its own. Athletic director Scott Barnes said that will start immediately, and he thanked Smith for everything he did for Oregon State over the last six years.

Barnes released a statement after Michigan State announced Smith’s hiring, expressing his gratitude for Smith’s accomplishments in Corvallis.

Scott Barnes statement on Jonathan Smith leaving:

"His decision follows weeks of conversations during which he expressed his support for OSU’s short- and long-term plans and appreciation for the efforts OSU made to provide him with a new contract and guaranteed compensation." pic.twitter.com/3m4b0bXIKA

— Brenna Greene (@BrennaGreene_) November 25, 2023

“Coach Smith has shared that he has accepted the position of Head Coach at Michigan State,” Barnes said. “His decision follows weeks of conversations during which he expressed his support for Oregon State’s short- and long-term plans and appreciation for the efforts Oregon State made to provide him with a new contract and guaranteed compensation.

“Coach Smith and his staff worked tirelessly to rebuild the culture at Oregon State, both on the field and in the classroom. All of Beaver Nation should thank him for the lasting legacy he has left to his alma mater and wish him and his family nothing but the best moving forward. We have immediately begun a national search to find the next Oregon State Head Football Coach.”

Smith totaled a 34-35 record with the Beavers, but took the program to three straight seven-plus win seasons. Last year, Oregon State went 10-3 overall and 6-3 in conference play for OSU’s first 10-win season since 2006. It was quite the turnaround under Smith considering Oregon State went 2-10 in his first year at the helm.

Now, he’s off to East Lansing to replace the embattled Mel Tucker, who was fired for cause after a Title IX investigation into sexual harassment allegations. Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller released a lengthy statement on the hire, pointing out Smith’s accomplishments at Oregon State as reasons for excitement.

“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,” Haller said, in part. “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.

“On the field, his teams are tough and physical, yet innovative. 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.