Michigan State University has officially terminated head football coach Jonathan Smith after completing his second season as coach. Hired after a successful stint at Oregon State, Smith signed a seven-year contract worth $52.85 million. Despite a strong start in 2024 with a 3-0 record, the season ended poorly, with the team losing eight straight games before a final victory over Maryland. Overall, Smith finished with a record of 9-15, with an 0-6 mark against ranked opponents. Athletic Director J Batt cited unmet standards as the reason for the change, indicating a desire to revitalize the struggling football program following a decade of decline since the peak of the Mark Dantonio era. The previous head coach, Mel Tucker, left amid serious allegations, making Smith’s removal part of an ongoing effort to restore the program's former glory.