MSU Fans React to Disappointing Season

Michigan State's football season ended embarrassingly; fans sparked emotions were targeted at Jonathan Smith.

Nov 16, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Jonathan Smith during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images / Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

The Michigan State Spartans ended their season in disheartening fashion against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, losing 41-14. Now, with the season over and done with, it seems like MSU fans have already seen enough of Jonathan Smith.

Smith just recently signed a lengthy contract to be the captain of the ship for the Spartans, so fans calling for his removal cannot be what the program has wanted to see. Smith has been a decorated coach elsewhere and may have just caught the tail end of a football team with poor offense.

Fans took to social media to express their disapproval of the head coach:

Hiring Jonathan Smith was a mistake, take accountability for that mistake and fire him.

Give yourself another chance to change to the trajectory of this program with a new face. Keeping Smith will do irreparable damage to this program.

— Billy McNicholas (@McnicholasBilly) November 30, 2024

Thank god this MSU season is over.

Jonathan Smith didn’t show me anything in year one.

Turnover hangover or theme of what’s to come?

We’ll see.

— Justin Rose (@JRoseDet) November 30, 2024

Fire Jonathan Smith. He stinks. This isn’t going to work out. Reset now instead of in 3 or 4 years from now.

— Andy O))) (@oppsopps) November 30, 2024

MSU finished its season 5-7 and 12th in the Big Ten. Starting off their season strong, winning the first three games, the Spartans quickly came back down to earth, dropping their next three. They were unable to put together consecutive wins for the rest of the season.

Quarterback Aidan Chiles came to MSU from the Oregon State Beavers along with Jonathan Smith at the beginning of the season, with many fans having high hopes for what they would bring to the team. Now that the season is over and done with, it seems like the hype has gone with it.

Both Chiles and Smith did not make good first impressions for the faithful fans of MSU. Chiles did not underperform, but fans wanted to see more. That goes for both their new quarterback and head coach. With the trial season done, there are very obvious points for change going into 2025.

Here's what some fans had to say:

Fire Jonathan Smith

Get rid of over hyped Aidan Chiles

Get a modern offensive coordinator

Recruit the trenches like no tomorrow

— Mr. Detroit (@BARRtimeanytime) December 1, 2024

If Jonathan Smith wants this fanbase to place any real faith in him for 2025, his staff needs to bring in multiple impactful transfers this portal cycle

The offensive line would be a good starting point

— Levi Bright (@JASF_Detroit) December 2, 2024

Wanting a change is one thing, but calling for the removal of a newly signed head coach and young quarterback will not be the answer for MSU. The team will need to rebuild, scout, and bring in recruits to be competitive in the Big 10 next year, not clean house after a failed first trial season.

"We had some ups and downs this year, we have to keep plugging away and going to work," Smith said when reflecting on the final game of the season. "I got a belief in our approach, our process, and how we're doing it. I want to feel like the guys that have more time here, we can get it going."

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