Is Michigan State going to fire head coach Jonathan Smith on Sunday? It’s unfortunately a valid question, and one, that we will most likely be asking every Saturday night throughout the rest of this season.
On Saturday, the Spartans got off to a fast start and put forth an effort that made fans want to believe things could change for the better. However, as we’ve grown accustomed to, things tilted back to the norm, and Michigan State experienced yet another double-digit loss at Indiana on Saturday. The loss was the Spartans’ fourth straight defeat, all of which coming by double-digits.
After last week’s embarrassing homecoming showing against UCLA, Smith’s status as the head coach at Michigan State was questioned by fans and media across the board. Now, we are to the point where we need to analyze whether or not Smith will be coaching the Spartans next game or not. Let’s take a look at where things stand with Smith and my personal prediction on whether or not Michigan State will fire Smith on Sunday.
Where things stand with Smith
Well, heading into this week, it felt like a matter of when, not if, with Smith being fired by Michigan State. And while Michigan State clearly didn’t quit on Smith based on the first half effort (and really all game) against Indiana, it still feels like he’s holding onto his job by the skin of his teeth. Coming into this game, I feared the Spartans may lay down and get their doors blown off right away, and it would make for an easy decision on Sunday morning for athletic director J Batt. But that wasn’t the case, and Smith does deserve some credit for keeping the team focused and invested on winning this game.
Ultimately, Michigan State is just not good enough to beat a team like Indiana right now. Which is a wild statement to make because the Spartans beat the Hoosiers the year prior to both Smith and Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti being hired. So, that alone is a glaring difference and demerit against Smith. That’s a comparison fans like to make, and say “why can Cignetti win like that right away but Smith can’t?” but that’s not why we are here and why I’m writing this article. It’s just a fun coincidence that Smith may be relieved of his duties following a loss to a coach that so many Spartans are comparing him to.
Predicting Smith’s future at Michigan State
So was Saturday Smith’s last game as the Spartans’ head coach? There’s reason to make the move now, especially if the higher ups have already made up their minds and want to move on. Let me explain why.
If a decision on Smith’s fate has already been made by Batt and the folks who support the program financially, then letting him coach against the Spartans’ top rival is simply a silly decision. It would be a lose-lose situation if, and let me stress if, that decision has already been made. Should Michigan State upset the Wolverines next week, then you won’t be firing Smith in season most likely, and if they rally to a bowl game, then he’ll be back another year. So if a decision been made, there’s no reason to not make the move on Sunday.
Now, the other side of the coin is retaining the staff for another week to give the Spartans the best chance at beating the hated Wolverines. That’s, of course, if you believe Smith brings an advantage to where firing him would guarantee a loss against Michigan. I personally don’t as I believe they are going to lose whether or not Smith is on the sidelines. But I would understand that theory and argument to keep him for another week.
So, that’s essentially a lot of words to say if a decision on Smith has been made, they need to pull the trigger now. If there’s still some hope and thought he’s the guy long term, then you should let him coach this week for his job.
Now, where do I stand on all of this? I think a decision has been made, but that doesn’t mean I think the right decision will be made on Sunday…
My prediction: No, Smith isn’t fired on Sunday and will coach against Michigan next week. If he wins, I’ll go even further and say he’ll be coaching the Spartans’ opener next year.
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