MSU Coach Jonathan Smith Making Himself Right at Home

New Michigan State football coach Jonathan Smith immediately began making additions to MSU’s football program upon his arrival, additions that were critical to both sides of the ball and Smith’s coaching staff. 

“We were able to add to the roster on both sides, defensively at all three levels, D-line, linebacker and the secondary," Smith said when he addressed the media back on Jan. 18. "Offensively, quarterback, [we] feel good there."

Smith brought quarterback Aidan Chiles from Oregon State to East Lansing with him. The first-year Spartans coach believes Chiles’ knowledge of the offense makes him a valuable asset to a team and program with many new and moving parts. 

“Aidan not only knows the offense, he knows the continuity and the culture,” Smith said. “Bringing the staff over here allows us to start faster in regard to how we operate, speaking the language.”

Chiles says his decision to follow Smith from the West Coast to the Midwest was easy because of his connection with Smith.

“It was a very easy decision for me,” Chiles said when he spoke to the media last Tuesday, March 26. “It was my coach.

“I committed to Oregon State as a program at first, and then throughout the entire freshman year, I had conversations with Coach Smith the whole time, and we just got closer, a closer bond,” Chiles said. “He’s my coach, so that’s why I followed him here.”

Chiles’ impact on the team has the potential to be heightened because of the other additions Smith made to the team. Smith also added former Oregon State center Tanner Miller and tight end Jack Velling to his roster. Both players’ familiarity with Smith should make them the favorites to be the team’s starters at their respective positions.

One of the more under-the-radar additions Smith made was adding former MSU football player and former Oregon State cornerback coach Demetrice Martin, who Smith says is still passionate about the Spartans.

“I’ve known [Martin] for a long time, all the way back from when I recruited his brother at Southern California,” Smith said. “Bringing in another alum [Demetrice] who knows this place and is deeply passionate about this place, we’re excited for him to join us and help us out there in the secondary.”

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

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