Former Michigan State players, other national figures react to Jonathan Smith hiring on social media
East Lansing, Mich. – Michigan State officially hired Jonathan Smith as its new head coach Saturday afternoon. Smith, 44, spent six years as Oregon State’s head coach, compiling a 34-35 overall record. Smith played quarterback for the Beavers for four seasons before beginning his coaching career in 2002.
Spartan alums and other national figures provided their reactions to the hiring on social media.
Sean Cooper is the owner of C4 Sports Performance, a training facility located in Oklahoma. Cooper expressed his excitement about Smith’s hiring on Twitter, in response to SpartanMag publisher Jim Comparoni’s column:
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Former Michigan State linebacker Chris Frey, who played in East Lansing from 2014-17, would like Smith to build around the current Spartan core. Smith will recruit current Michigan State players, recruits and transfers from other programs over the ensuing weeks and months.
Former Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke, offensive lineman Tyler Higby and linebacker Dante Razzano, expressed their support for Smith via the You Are the Program podcast account on Twitter:
Former Michigan State players Byron Bullough and Jerel Worthy experessed their excitement on Instagram.
“Time to get to work,” said Bullough, a former Spartan linebacker who played in East Lansing from 2014-18.
“Let’s get to work!! It’s go time,” said Worthy, a former Spartan defensive tackle and six-year NFL veteran.
Chad Johnson, an 11-year NFL veteran wide receiver who played with Smith at Oregon State, tweeted his support for the Spartans’ new head coach as well:
