D-Line Coach Suiaunoa on Transition to Michigan State

The Michigan State football program had almost a complete turnover regarding its coaching staff. New D-line coach Legi Suiaunoa has enjoyed the adjustment so far.

Michigan State defensive line coach Legi Suiaunoa / Aidan Champion, Spartan Nation

Michigan State defensive line coach Legi Suiaunoa is another new member of the Spartans' coaching staff who has had to settle in.

Suiaunoa, who served as Oregon State's defensive line coach under new Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith for six seasons, has enjoyed his new home thus far.

"It's been going great," Suiaunoa told reporters after the Spartans' spring practice on Tuesday. "I mean, obviously, knowing the football head coach, knowing his program, being a part of that program the last six seasons, we know what to expect. What I didn't know [what] to expect was kind of the community, the building, the boys, the guys on the team. So, that's a bit of a transition.

"And then, Coach [Joe] Rossi, working with him and learning a new scheme and doing those things. So, it's been smooth."

Suiaunoa said he was familiar with Michigan State football. Being on-site, however, is a whole other story for the longtime coach.

"As a football guy, being in college football, you always know how successful they were here and the tradition they've had here," Suiaunoa said. "So, that was nothing new.

"Learning about Michigan State, like, this campus is just unbelievable. When the sun's out like this, I mean, I was just sitting there after practice talking about: 'Man, this is incredible.' That piece, the people in the building, how supportive the community is for the team.

"So, all those things put together. The recruiting base this area has -- I mean, the state of Michigan, high school football in this state. And then, really, the high school football in the three-hour radius of this place. So, there's a lot of qualities that exist in this place that we think, obviously, can be to our advantage."

Before joining Oregon State, Suiaunoa served as defensive coordinator at Hawaii for its 2017 season. He was the team's defensive line coach the season prior.

Suiaunoa began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Nevada/Palomar Junior College before going on to serve as defensive line coach, linebackers coach and strength and conditioning coach at Western Washington. He would then be appointed defensive coordinator for Eastern Oregon in 2009 before serving in the same role for Portland State in 2010.

The Michigan State Spartan Football Spring Green and White Game (Spring Showcase) will be held at the High Cathedral of the Spartan Nation, Spartan Stadium, on April 20, 2024, at 2 p.m.

Don’t forget to follow the official Spartan Nation Page on Facebook Spartan Nation WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be a part of our vibrant community group Go Green Go White as well WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.