Pat Fitzgerald opens Michigan State camp with a message on rules vs. standards every coach should hear
FootballScoop.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Pat Fitzgerald returned to coaching by taking over as Michigan State's head football coach after a three-year hiatus, following the firing of Jonathan Smith after a 4-8 season.
- In his first fall camp practice, Fitzgerald emphasized the difference between rules and standards, urging players to aspire to higher standards and sacrifice for their teammates to achieve special success.
- Fitzgerald retained key staff, including defensive coordinator Joe Rossi and hired Nick Sheridan from Alabama as offensive coordinator, aiming to build on the existing structure to improve the team's competitiveness.
- He set high expectations for the team, publicly targeting goals ranging from a Big Ten title to a national championship, signaling a strong commitment to turning the program around.
- Michigan State's season opener under Fitzgerald is scheduled for September 4 against Toledo, marking his debut as head coach for the Spartans.
