Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith opens up about his transition to the Midwest

Posted on by Vaseline

As Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith begins his tenure in East Lansing, one of his biggest changes will be living in the Midwest after spending much of his life on the other side of the country. A native of Pasadena, California, Coach Smith spent most of his adult life on the West Coast.

Although he spent time at Montana and Boise State, he attended college and played football at Oregon State before coaching the Beavers in 2018. His longest-tenured positions have all been on the West Coast, as he spent the majority of his professional career at Oregon State and Washington, where he gained valuable experience he will use at Michigan State.

Smith was instrumental in turning around Oregon State’s football program. The Beavers went 12-36 in the four seasons before he took over. Smith led Oregon State to 25 wins in his final three seasons before accepting the head coaching position at Michigan State.

Smith said that while life in the Midwest is different, it wasn’t much of a culture shock.

He recently took time to reflect in more detail on his move from the West Coast to the Midwest during Big Ten Football Media Days.

“I wouldn’t say shock,” Smith said. “I think the community in East Lansing has been welcoming and the people, the pride and the passion. I don’t think it’s any different than the West Coast, but you feel it this way.

“I’m not just talking about Michigan State football. I’ve had a great opportunity to learn about basketball and the year that our hockey team had and the passion that the place has for Michigan State, that’s been really fun.”

Smith has the opportunity to turn around another college football program, albeit one with a much richer history. While he undoubtedly has an uphill battle ahead of him at Michigan State, he also has access to more resources there than he did at Oregon State. As Smith begins his journey at Michigan State, successful football seasons will only help his transition to the Midwest and his and his family’s comfort in East Lansing.

Don’t forget to follow the official Spartan Nation page on Facebook Spartan Nation IF YOU CLICK HEREand also be part of our vibrant community group Go Green Go White IF YOU CLICK HERE.

Avatar for Vaseline
Vaseline https://newspowergreen.biz.id

You May Also Like

More From Author