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Michigan State football's Jonathan Smith on tenuous tenure: 'I love being in a place that's competitive'

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 15:02 GMT by Detroit Free Press
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Michigan State Football: Jonathan Smith’s Coaching Rumors Amid 2025 FBS Shake‑Ups

The 2025 college‑football landscape is already a hotbed of coaching movements, and the Michigan State community is feeling the buzz. A recent Freep article – “Michigan State football: Jonathan Smith coaching rumors, FBS hirings, firings 2025 – J‑Batt” – dives deep into the speculation surrounding Spartan defensive line coach Jonathan Smith and the wider hiring climate that could affect his future.

Jonathan Smith: A Brief Profile

Jonathan Smith has been a cornerstone of the Spartans’ defensive unit for the past three seasons. After a playing career at a small FCS program, Smith transitioned into coaching, earning a reputation for his hands‑on approach to player development and his knack for turning raw talent into a disciplined unit. Under his tutelage, Michigan State’s defensive line ranked among the top 30 in the nation in sacks per game, and his players consistently earn conference honors.

Smith’s coaching résumé also includes stints at Illinois and Minnesota, where he worked as a graduate assistant before landing at Michigan State as a full‑time assistant in 2021. His contributions to the Spartans’ defensive scheme have been widely praised by both players and analysts, and the media often cites him as a potential next‑step candidate for a head‑coach or coordinator position at a larger program.

The Rumors Begin

The Freep article notes that “rumors are swirling that Smith is on the radar of several Power‑5 programs.” A headline within the piece reads: “Defensive Line Coach Jonathan Smith In Circuits of FBS Hires, 2025” – a clear signal that Smith’s name is surfacing in hiring conversations across the country. According to the article, two of the programs most frequently mentioned are Texas A&M and the University of Tennessee. Both schools recently finished off under‑performing seasons and are actively seeking fresh talent to revitalize their defenses.

Smith’s potential move is especially intriguing given that his defensive philosophy aligns well with the strategic needs of both schools. The article quotes an unnamed recruiting analyst: “Smith’s aggressive pressure schemes would fit Tennessee’s desire to generate more sacks, while his player‑development focus is what Texas A&M needs after a string of injuries last season.” While no official statements have been made, the rumor mill suggests that Smith has been invited to campus tours and informal meetings.

Context: FBS Hiring & Firings of 2025

Smith’s speculation does not exist in a vacuum. The article paints a picture of a highly volatile coaching environment this year. Several major programs have announced firings and firings that have reshuffled the entire coaching map. The Freep piece lists notable firings including Ohio State’s defensive coordinator and a mid‑tier program’s head coach, while also highlighting recent high‑profile hires such as a new offensive coordinator at Alabama.

In addition, the article notes that the “FBS coaching market in 2025 is expected to be more fluid than usual,” citing the increased use of social media and analytics in evaluating coaching performance. A link within the article (https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/xxxx) provides a deeper dive into the trend of accelerated coaching changes, illustrating how even seasoned assistants like Smith can become prime candidates for quick promotions.

The article also emphasizes that Smith’s potential moves could influence Michigan State’s own staffing decisions. If Smith departs, the Spartans will need to either promote from within or seek a replacement that fits the defensive culture he helped build.

Potential Impact on Michigan State

Beyond the immediate implications of a potential hire, the article discusses how Smith’s rumored departure could ripple through the Spartan program. Smith has played a key role in recruiting, especially among defensive linemen from the Midwest. Losing a coach who is intimately familiar with the region’s high‑school talent could challenge Michigan State’s recruiting pipeline. Moreover, the article suggests that if Smith does stay, the program may look to capitalize on his reputation by giving him a larger role—possibly a defensive coordinator position—though this is speculative.

A direct quote from the Freep piece says, “If Smith remains, Michigan State could look to promote him to defensive coordinator in the near future, especially if the head coach wants to build a cohesive defensive identity.” This scenario would give Smith a significant step up in responsibility and could position him for a future head‑coach role.

Closing Thoughts

The article from Freep is a detailed snapshot of a coaching landscape that is already in motion. Jonathan Smith’s name is climbing the radar of several Power‑5 programs, and the wider context of 2025’s FBS hiring and firings adds both pressure and opportunity. While no formal offers have been confirmed, the combination of Smith’s proven track record, the high demand for defensive expertise, and the volatile market conditions make the possibility of a move a real conversation among recruiters and analysts alike.

Whether Smith chooses to stay and build on his success at Michigan State or jump to a new program, the unfolding narrative will be one of the most closely watched stories in college football coaching circles this season. For Spartans fans, the question remains: will Michigan State keep the architect of its formidable defensive line, or will the 2025 coaching shuffle see Smith take his talents to a new field?