Overview
- Athletic director J Batt announced Smith’s dismissal on Sunday, calling a coaching change necessary to chart a new direction for the program.
- Reports from the Detroit Free Press, CBS Sports, Reuters and others say Pat Fitzgerald is the intended hire, with an AP-sourced report indicating an announcement is expected this week.
- As of midday Sunday no contract had been signed, but coverage describes ongoing talks and clear intent to bring Fitzgerald to East Lansing.
- Fitzgerald won 110 games in 17 seasons at Northwestern and was fired in 2023 following a hazing investigation before reaching a wrongful-termination settlement in August 2025.
- Smith exits with an official 4-15 record over two seasons, including 1-8 in the Big Ten this year, and is expected to receive a buyout in excess of $30 million as recruiting deadlines approach.