On Saturday morning, Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith was named the new head football coach at Michigan State University following the Beavers’ 31-7 loss to the Ducks on Friday night.
Smith’s name was part of an initial pool of candidates in the head coach search for the Spartans after Michigan State fired former head coach Mel Tucker as he faced sexual harassment allegations back in September.
Before the start of the 127th rivalry series game between Oregon and Oregon State, there were many rumors circling the situation. Following the game Smith mentioned that no decision had been made by him to accept the head coaching vacancy at Michigan State.
However, a day later, Smith accepted the job to be the new head coach of the Spartans following the Beavers’ last regular season game. The terms of Smith’s new deal with Michigan State are unconfirmed.
Smith met with the players Saturday morning to discuss his departure to East Lansing. Right now, it is unclear how many current coaches on the Oregon State coaching staff will follow Smith to Michigan State and an interim coach has yet to be named.
Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes said in a statement that he would immediately conduct a national search for the next head football coach at OSU.
“Coach Smith has shared that he has accepted the position of head coach at Michigan State. 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,” Barnes stated.
Smith signed a six-year contract extension following the 2022 season worth $30.6 million and by winning more than seven games this season, an additional year is added to the deal. Smith owes Oregon State a buyout of $3 million.
“Coach Smith and his staff worked tirelessly to rebuild the culture at Oregon State, both on the field and in the classroom,” Barnes stated.
“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.”
Smith took over the Oregon State football program in 2018 and after his six-year tenure departs Oregon State with a head coaching career record of 34-35 in six seasons as the Beavers’ head coach. The past two seasons Smith posted an 18-7 record, which saw back-to-back seasons of the Beavers earning bowl eligibility.
Smith issued a statement on his personal X account, formerly known as Twitter, about his departure to Michigan State.
“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. I will cherish the memories and friendships. I also want to express my deepest gratitude to the people of OSU/Corvallis for your support,” Smith stated.
“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.”
