As Michigan State’s season continues to spiral, one prominent name is beginning to surface as a potential match should the Spartans move on from head coach Jonathan Smith.
Former LSU coach Brian Kelly, who was dismissed by the Tigers earlier this fall, has yet to be formally linked to any major opening. But The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman believes MSU could be the exception.
“The one job I can see him maybe at is if Michigan State does open up. He’s got a lake house up there. I can see it,” Feldman told Todd McShay.
Smith is 3-7 in his second season and winless in Big Ten play, with Michigan State in the midst of a seven-game losing streak. While the school hasn’t announced a decision, multiple reports indicate administrators have already resolved to make a change after the season.
For Kelly, the Michigan ties run deep. His first significant stop came at Grand Valley State, where he won 118 games and two Division II national titles from 1991-2003. He later guided Central Michigan to a 19-16 record before climbing to Cincinnati, Notre Dame and LSU. In 33 seasons as a head coach, Kelly owns a 297-109-2 record.
Questions remain about how many jobs Kelly would seriously consider? There aren't many and Feldman doubts he’d pursue Group of Five opportunities. Needless to say, the market may be limited. But if Michigan State opens, he believes the fit makes sense for both sides.