Jonathan Smith is an "A" hire

by **NigelUno** 2023-12-01, 09:10

Grading college football head-coaching hires

Jonathan Smith to Michigan State

Why is this a good fit?
Rittenberg: Smith could become the offensive version of Mark Dantonio, whose consistent success at Michigan State remains the model for any future Spartans coach. Like Dantonio, Smith has a keen eye for under-the-radar talent and understands the player development piece. Smith also has won at a program often viewed in its rival's shadow at Oregon State. Smith's pro-style offense attracted DJ Uiagalelei to transfer to Oregon State, and it will appeal to quarterbacks both in high school and in the portal. Michigan State will have clear schematic identities on both sides of the ball. Smith isn't about fluff, and his approach should resonate well at a program that needs stability and a defined vision.

What will be Smith's biggest challenge?
Tom VanHaaren: Smith needs to rebuild Michigan State's entire identity. The Spartans had typically been a tough-nosed defensive team that would wear down opponents, but there was no sign of that team this season. Michigan State ranks No. 81 among all FBS teams in yards allowed per game, No. 68 in rush yards allowed and No. 85 in pass yards allowed. There wasn't anything the Spartans could hang their hat on, and Smith is going to have to start by retooling the roster. On offense, Michigan State needs help up front along the offensive line and should look to add as many playmakers as it can. The team ranked 128th in yards per game this season, and the way the transfer portal works, Smith might be able to find a quarterback to add to the competition and help the coach build the identity that he wants in East Lansing.

Grade: A
Although Smith, 44, hasn't coached outside the Northwest, he gives Michigan State one of the more respected young coaches on the market, at a critical time for the program. Given the unrest around MSU, athletic director Alan Haller did an excellent job in targeting and ultimately landing a coach of Smith's caliber. -- Rittenberg

by Zurn 2023-12-01, 09:19

We shall see. Not many would argue the contrary at this point. Smith has a tough job given that the roster is depleted and the changes in the Big Ten landscape.

Somehow he will have to put together a roster that can get to a top 2 of a Big Ten with UM, OSU, PSU, O, W, UCLA and USC.

Not going to happen by next year, we need to be patient and let the man do his job.

by **NigelUno** 2023-12-01, 10:04

Zurn wrote:We shall see. Not many would argue the contrary at this point. Smith has a tough job given that the roster is depleted and the changes in the Big Ten landscape.

Somehow he will have to put together a roster that can get to a top 2 of a Big Ten with UM, OSU, PSU, O, W, UCLA and USC.

Not going to happen by next year, we need to be patient and let the man do his job.

UCLA?

by **Trapper Gus** 2023-12-01, 10:19

Disagree slightly on the comment on the defense. What CHD & ACMD did this year was start to rebuild how the defense played and is showed, statistically, in the later games.

by **NigelUno** 2023-12-01, 10:43

Trapper Gus wrote:Disagree slightly on the comment on the defense. What CHD & ACMD did this year was start to rebuild how the defense played and is showed, statistically, in the later games.

Our defense didn't look so hot against good teams.

by **Trapper Gus** 2023-12-01, 10:45

NigelUno wrote:
Trapper Gus wrote:Disagree slightly on the comment on the defense. What CHD & ACMD did this year was start to rebuild how the defense played and is showed, statistically, in the later games.

Our defense didn't look so hot against good teams.

No, not overall, however the run defense was being tightened up.

by **Floyd Robertson** 2023-12-01, 10:51

Zurn wrote:We shall see. Not many would argue the contrary at this point. Smith has a tough job given that the roster is depleted and the changes in the Big Ten landscape.

Somehow he will have to put together a roster that can get to a top 2 of a Big Ten with UM, OSU, PSU, O, W, UCLA and USC.

Not going to happen by next year, we need to be patient and let the man do his job.

I would be happy if we just got to a place of consistently going at least 9-3 in the regular season and growing from there.

by CaptainSlow33 2023-12-01, 11:04

Against all but the power teams on our schedule, our defense was good enough this season. If we would have had a competent offense, we could have absolutely gone bowling. Our late game collapses were usually a result of a) special teams blunders and b) the defense getting gas'd because of the complete lack of offensive production. A competent offense would have won us at least MOST of the close games, and probably been enough to at least keep the games against Washington, Michigan, OSU, and PSU respectable. If Smith can get the offense firing on a normal amount of cylinders and maintain the current quality of the defense, there is no reason we shouldn't be a consistent bowl team.

I don't know if he is an A hire - we probably won't know that for another 3-4 years. Right now, though, he feels like a really good hire. He says the right things and is a calming presence at the helm of a program that desperately needs it. For me, that is enough. I haven't been excited about MSU football since 2015, but I'm actively looking forward to next season now. Fans are already getting anxious about the number of players going to the portal, but I'm personally not bothered. MSU football has been a nasty clogged toilet for the past 2 seasons - if some of the guys on our roster feel the need to look for a fresh start elsewhere, I absolutely wish them nothing but the best. Next couple years might be a bumpy ride, but for the first time in several years, it feels like we'll be alright.

by **tGreenWay** 2023-12-01, 11:28

Trapper Gus wrote:Disagree slightly on the comment on the defense. What CHD & ACMD did this year was start to rebuild how the defense played and is showed, statistically, in the later games.

Maybe going forward you can use actual last names? I have no idea who you’re talking about.

by **Robert J Sakimano** 2023-12-01, 11:32

I prefer home run hires.

by **Trapper Gus** 2023-12-01, 11:49

tGreenWay wrote:
Trapper Gus wrote:Disagree slightly on the comment on the defense. What CHD & ACMD did this year was start to rebuild how the defense played and is showed, statistically, in the later games.

Maybe going forward you can use actual last names? I have no idea who you’re talking about.

Coach Mark Dantonio & Acting Coach Harlan Barnett? Is that so hard?

by CaptainSlow33 2023-12-01, 12:06

tGreenWay wrote:
Trapper Gus wrote:Disagree slightly on the comment on the defense. What CHD & ACMD did this year was start to rebuild how the defense played and is showed, statistically, in the later games.

Maybe going forward you can use actual last names? I have no idea who you’re talking about.

Yeah, big same. It's getting to be a bit much keeping track of all the initials.

by **NigelUno** 2023-12-01, 12:15

I like JCS instead of CJS.

by **duffy munn** 2023-12-01, 12:17

Robert J Sakimano wrote:I prefer home run hires.

#moarMCglock

by **Travis of the Cosmos** 2023-12-01, 12:19

Belovedcoach Jonathan Smith

by CaptainSlow33 2023-12-01, 12:35

Travis of the Cosmos wrote:Belovedcoach Jonathan Smith

This.

by **Cameron** 2023-12-01, 13:13

Trapper Gus wrote:
tGreenWay wrote:

Maybe going forward you can use actual last names? I have no idea who you’re talking about.

Coach Mark Dantonio & Acting Coach Harlan Barnett? Is that so hard?

The problem is you fucked it up both times.

You first put CHD for Coach Harlon Barnett, then you said you were representing Coach Mark Dantonio and Acting Coach Harlon Barnett, when Harlon is/was the coach and Dantonio was the Associate or whatever his actual title was.

by AvgMSUJoe 2023-12-01, 13:49

The "C" thing is stupid and related to urbz. We can drop it now thanks.

by **Trapper Gus** 2023-12-01, 14:44

Cameron wrote:
Trapper Gus wrote:

Coach Mark Dantonio & Acting Coach Harlan Barnett? Is that so hard?

The problem is you fucked it up both times.

You first put CHD for Coach Harlon Barnett, then you said you were representing Coach Mark Dantonio and Acting Coach Harlon Barnett, when Harlon is/was the coach and Dantonio was the Associate or whatever his actual title was.

Okay, fair enough. Dyslexia is frustrating sometimes. Thank you for your patience.

by **steveschneider** 2023-12-01, 14:57

Robert J Sakimano wrote:I prefer home run hires.

I’m excited to see what kind of offense Coach Smith rolls out.

by **NigelUno** 2023-12-01, 15:21

steveschneider wrote:
Robert J Sakimano wrote:I prefer home run hires.

I’m excited to see what kind of offense Coach Smith rolls out.

~~Modern~~ Pro Style

by gomersbro 2023-12-01, 15:26

NigelUno wrote:
steveschneider wrote:

I’m excited to see what kind of offense Coach Smith rolls out.

~~Modern~~ Pro Style

NIL funded

by **steveschneider** 2023-12-01, 15:44

gomersbro wrote:
NigelUno wrote:

~~Modern~~ Pro Style
NIL funded

That’s what I like to hear.

by **Nordic** 2023-12-01, 18:02

AvgMSUJoe wrote:The "C" thing is stupid and related to urbz. We can drop it now thanks.

Agree. Funny for Urbs, but annoying otherwise. Use the dudes initials or name. No need for “coach” or “C”. They aren’t doctors.

Edit: Or middle initial if they don't use it. JLS makes sense. JCS does not.

by **Travis of the Cosmos** 2023-12-01, 18:43

AvgMSUJoe wrote:The "C" thing is stupid and related to urbz. We can drop it now thanks.

People have been using that C since the dawn of time, it didn’t start with cum.

That whole thing really, really bothered you didn’t it? Do you think urban Meyer did 9/11? Be honest

by **Nordic** 2023-12-01, 18:48

Travis of the Cosmos wrote:
AvgMSUJoe wrote:The "C" thing is stupid and related to urbz. We can drop it now thanks.
People have been using that C since the dawn of time, it didn’t start with cum.

That whole thing really, really bothered you didn’t it? Do you think urban Meyer did 9/11? Be honest

I’m aware. CMD was equally as stupid PTotC

by **Travis of the Cosmos** 2023-12-01, 18:50

Nordic wrote:
Travis of the Cosmos wrote:
People have been using that C since the dawn of time, it didn’t start with cum.

That whole thing really, really bothered you didn’t it? Do you think urban Meyer did 9/11? Be honest

I’m aware. CMD was equally as stupid PToC

Wasn’t talking to you nordy, you haven’t tried to blame covid on people talking about urban Meyer

by **Nordic** 2023-12-01, 18:51

Thanks for the clarification PTC. Just slamming home my point in general.

by **Travis of the Cosmos** 2023-12-01, 19:01

Nordic wrote:Thanks for the clarification PTC. Just slamming home my point in general.

CTC please (comrade)

I never cared much for the initials thing. It can die with smith on account of smith being very east to type. Unless we go with BJS

by **Trapper Gus** 2023-12-01, 19:49

That's easy for you non handicapped posters, but for me, who can't remember if it's Harlon or Harlod and is it Barrnett or Barnet or Barnett, CHD or CHB as corrected by Cam is way easier...maybe I'll just use coach for all of them and you can guess which one I mean.

Don't even begin to get me started on John Smith

by **MiamiSpartan** 2023-12-01, 20:08

Maybe it's because I see people using the "C" the most on SpartanMag, where a lot of the posters like to think that really wired in to all of the lingo, but it always comes across to me as people trying to sound like they are these bigtime football guys. I don't feel like people do that for Izzo or other basketball coaches nearly as much, if ever. It's a weird football thing.

Except for CUM. I loved the way CUM was sprayed all over the board.

by **GRR Spartan** 2023-12-01, 20:44

Coach Smith or just plain Smith works.

by **Robert J Sakimano** 2023-12-01, 20:59

GRR Spartan wrote:Coach Smith or just plain Smith works.

Jeff Smith?

CC: Dwags and Duffy

by **duffy munn** 2023-12-01, 21:57

Robert J Sakimano wrote:
GRR Spartan wrote:Coach Smith or just plain Smith works.

Jeff Smith?

CC: Dwags and Duffy

He never used a curse word. In fact, instead of swearing he would often scream "god bless america!" at his kids when they screwed up.

Coached the best high school player I have ever seen. If that kid commits to George he carries it 30 times a game and is an all-american. Gonna let you and Dwags figure out who I'm talking about.

by **steveschneider** 2023-12-01, 22:11

duffy munn wrote:
Robert J Sakimano wrote: Jeff Smith?

CC: Dwags and Duffy

He never used a curse word. In fact, instead of swearing he would often scream "god bless america!" at his kids when they screwed up.

Coached the best high school player I have ever seen. If that kid commits to George he carries it 30 times a game and is an all-american. Gonna let you and Dwags figure out who I'm talking about.

Randy Kinder

by **tGreenWay** 2023-12-01, 23:38

Trapper Gus wrote:
Cameron wrote:

The problem is you fucked it up both times.

You first put CHD for Coach Harlon Barnett, then you said you were representing Coach Mark Dantonio and Acting Coach Harlon Barnett, when Harlon is/was the coach and Dantonio was the Associate or whatever his actual title was.

Okay, fair enough. Dyslexia is frustrating sometimes. Thank you for your patience.

All the more reason for you to just use last names.

by **tGreenWay** 2023-12-01, 23:43

Trapper Gus wrote:That's easy for you non handicapped posters, but for me, who can't remember if it's Harlon or Harlod and is it Barrnett or Barnet or Barnett, CHD or CHB as corrected by Cam is way easier...maybe I'll just use coach for all of them and you can guess which one I mean.

Don't even begin to get me started on John Smith

Harlan Barnett isn’t new to East Lansing. He’s been a Spartan for literally decades. Remembering his name should be easy.

by **Trapper Gus** 2023-12-02, 07:56

tGreenWay wrote:
Trapper Gus wrote:

Okay, fair enough. Dyslexia is frustrating sometimes. Thank you for your patience.

All the more reason for you to just use last names.

Well I can manage Smith, and Dantonio seems to have worked its way into my spell checker, but no promises on correct spellings after that.

by **Trapper Gus** 2023-12-02, 07:57

tGreenWay wrote:
Trapper Gus wrote:That's easy for you non handicapped posters, but for me, who can't remember if it's Harlon or Harlod and is it Barrnett or Barnet or Barnett, CHD or CHB as corrected by Cam is way easier...maybe I'll just use coach for all of them and you can guess which one I mean.

Don't even begin to get me started on John Smith

Harlan Barnett isn’t new to East Lansing. He’s been a Spartan for literally decades. Remembering his name should be easy.

All the times I have used collage for college beg to differ.

by **Dendrobates** 2023-12-02, 08:33

I'm just reserving judgment either way, until I see what happens. I don't want to get my hopes up.

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