The longest-running coaching search this season in Power-5 college football is nearing its conclusion, multiple sources tell FootballScoop.
Michigan State, in the marketplace to replace Mel Tucker since Tucker was fired in September for bringing “public disrespect, contempt and ridicule” upon the university, has Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith as their top target to take over the Spartans program.
“Barring something unforeseen, he is the target,” a source told FootballScoop midweek.
Added another, “Jonathan Smith is the focus. They’ve talked to a lot of guys, but he is who they want.”
Numerous sources told FootballScoop that while Smith is the frontrunner, Michigan State officials also have talked to, among others, Duke’s Mike Elko, Toledo’s Jason Candle, North Carolina State’s Dave Doeren and Pittsburgh’s Pat Narduzzi, the former well-regarded Spartans defensive coordinator. Interim head coach Harlon Barnett has been evaluated and is a candidate as well.
Smith has been nothing short of excellent in resurrecting his alma mater, Oregon State, where Smith played quarterback two decades ago. With eight wins this season heading into Saturday’s ‘Civil War’ rivalry tilt against top-10 rival Oregon, the Beavers are once again assured of a postseason bowl berth under Smith’s leadership.
Oregon State smacked Florida last year to punctuate its 2022 campaign.
But as much as Smith has served his alma mater and poured into Oregon State, he has become increasingly disenfranchised with the nomadic future for Oregon State athletics with the impending dissolution of the PAC-12.
The league recently has worked to finalize a football scheduling arrangement with the Mountain West, but that has largely been viewed in the industry as running prevent defense on the goal line.
All that’s left of the PAC-12 is the 2-PAC – Oregon State and Washington State. Both coaches have battled recruiting questions and other hurdles in the wake of half the conference bolting for the Big 12 Conference while Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington jettisoned their longtime home to join the Big 10 in 2024.
Per sources with direct information, Michigan State also would be on the hook for just an $3 million buyout to Oregon State in the event it finalizes a deal with Smith.
With the NCAA Transfer Portal set to open Dec. 4 – and 15 days shorter this time, running for 30 days rather than the previous 45 – and the December signing period opening from Dec. 20-22, programs with vacancies are working with an even greater sense of urgency to try to wrap up new hires this weekend going into Monday, numerous industry sources told FootballScoop.
Nothing is done until the ink is dry and other openings could play into how this one ultimately closes out; but at this time, Jonathan Smith is atop Michigan State's list.
Wednesday afternoon update> Oregon State's AD Scott Barnes has now issued a statement regarding Jonathan Smith and Oregon State's attempts to retain him.