Michigan State Head Coach Jonathan Smith's Tenure Hanging by a Thread as Spartans Stumble to Seventh Loss in Seven Games.
A crushing 28-10 defeat at home to Penn State has left Michigan State fans wondering if the axe will finally fall on beleaguered head coach Jonathan Smith's tenure. The loss marked Smith's second straight defeat to an interim-coached Big Ten opponent, after his team fell prey to UCLA's new regime just last month with a 38-13 drubbing.
As Smith's job security hangs in the balance, speculation surrounding his future as MSU head coach has reached fever pitch. Former LSU boss Brian Kelly has been touted as a potential candidate to take over the reins at East Lansing, but it remains to be seen whether he'll be the one to replace Smith.
Michigan State's on-field woes have become a pressing concern for the program, with the team now sitting at 3-7 overall and a dismal 0-7 in Big Ten play. The Spartans' chances of becoming bowl-eligible – a benchmark they've failed to meet for four consecutive seasons – are all but extinguished.
In an interview, MSU insider Cory Linsner believes that Smith's fate has already been sealed, with the decision to fire him likely made weeks ago. With his team currently mired in a seven-game losing streak, Linsner argues that there are no longer any realistic opportunities for Smith to turn things around and salvage his job.
Smith, now 46 years old, has struggled to find success during his two seasons at MSU, amassing just five wins – one of which was vacated due to recruiting irregularities from the Mel Tucker era. As the Spartans prepare to face Iowa in Week 13, their next step towards rectifying their season seems increasingly uncertain.
A crushing 28-10 defeat at home to Penn State has left Michigan State fans wondering if the axe will finally fall on beleaguered head coach Jonathan Smith's tenure. The loss marked Smith's second straight defeat to an interim-coached Big Ten opponent, after his team fell prey to UCLA's new regime just last month with a 38-13 drubbing.
As Smith's job security hangs in the balance, speculation surrounding his future as MSU head coach has reached fever pitch. Former LSU boss Brian Kelly has been touted as a potential candidate to take over the reins at East Lansing, but it remains to be seen whether he'll be the one to replace Smith.
Michigan State's on-field woes have become a pressing concern for the program, with the team now sitting at 3-7 overall and a dismal 0-7 in Big Ten play. The Spartans' chances of becoming bowl-eligible – a benchmark they've failed to meet for four consecutive seasons – are all but extinguished.
In an interview, MSU insider Cory Linsner believes that Smith's fate has already been sealed, with the decision to fire him likely made weeks ago. With his team currently mired in a seven-game losing streak, Linsner argues that there are no longer any realistic opportunities for Smith to turn things around and salvage his job.
Smith, now 46 years old, has struggled to find success during his two seasons at MSU, amassing just five wins – one of which was vacated due to recruiting irregularities from the Mel Tucker era. As the Spartans prepare to face Iowa in Week 13, their next step towards rectifying their season seems increasingly uncertain.
. He's already lost two straight games to interim-coaches and his team is just getting smashed by everyone 
. The stats are pretty bleak, 3-7 overall and 0-7 in the Big Ten... it's hard to see how he'll turn things around now 
.
. There aren't many signs of life left on this team and Iowa's game is gonna be a huge test for them 
. It's not like they're gonna magically flip a switch and become bowl-bound again 
.
... MSU needs someone who can fix this mess ASAP. Until then, things are just gonna keep on falling for them 
This is getting out of hand, Smith's been here for two seasons and you're already questioning his job security after just seven losses? 
It's like everyone's losing sight of the bigger picture... I'm not saying he deserves to stay or go, but let's give the guy some time to turn things around before we start crucifying him. 
. Seven losses in seven games? That's just crazy talk, right? 
And now with the Penn State loss, it's like, boom, the axe is basically swinging over his head 
. I've been following this story, and honestly, I think Cory Linsner might be onto something – I mean, what are the chances of Smith turning it around at this point? 
It's not impossible, but it feels like a long shot 
. I'm curious to see if Brian Kelly ends up getting the job, though – that would definitely bring some excitement to East Lansing 
!
7 losses in 9 games and you're already wondering if someone new is needed? that's not exactly a secret recipe for success. and another big name like Brian Kelly getting mentioned as a potential replacement? yeah no kidding 
... MSU fans are gonna be stuck with whoever shows up at the door next, I'm sure that'll be super exciting 
... or at least, i hope so