Michigan State Targeting NFL Defensive Line Coach Winston DeLattiboudere

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Pat Fitzgerald has been working around the clock—connecting with recruits while simultaneously assembling his coaching staff. That’s no easy task, especially stepping back into the college ranks in the middle of recruiting season after time away from coaching.

Right now, though, Fitzgerald is doing exactly that. You could call him Diana Ross—because he’s working overtime.

According to a report on X from Matt Zenitz (CBS Sports), along with Justin Thind and Corey Robinson, Michigan State is targeting Arizona Cardinals defensive line coach Winston DeLattiboudere for its open defensive line coach position.

DeLattiboudere played defensive line at Minnesota from 2015–2019 before quickly climbing the coaching ranks.

Coaching Résumé

  • Charlotte (2020) – Graduate Assistant
  • Oregon (2021) – Graduate Assistant
  • Akron (2022) – Defensive Line Coach
  • Green Bay Packers (2023) – Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship
  • Minnesota (2023) – Defensive Line Coach
  • Minnesota (2024) – Assistant Head Coach / Defensive Line Coach
  • Arizona Cardinals (2025–present) – Defensive Line Coach

As Arizona’s current defensive line coach, the Cardinals’ defensive numbers this season haven’t jumped off the page. Arizona ranks:

  • 20th in rushing yards allowed per game (120)
  • T-27th in sacks per game (1.8)
  • 27th in quarterback pressure rate (17.4%)

The Cardinals’ defense struggled overall, and with potential staff changes looming, it wouldn’t be surprising to see assistants exploring other opportunities.

That could open the door for DeLattiboudere to return to the nitty-gritty of Big Ten football.

Proven Success in the Big Ten

In 2023, DeLattiboudere coached Minnesota’s defensive line to a bowl appearance. Danny Striggow led the unit with six sacks and a forced fumble—performance that helped launch him to the NFL, where he now plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In 2024, as Minnesota’s assistant head coach and defensive line coach, DeLattiboudere again oversaw a productive front. The Gophers finished 8–4, led by:

  • Danny Striggow: 5 sacks, 1 forced fumble
  • Anthony Smith: 6 sacks, 11.5 TFL, 1 forced fumble

That sustained success paved the way for DeLattiboudere’s jump to the NFL under Jonathan Gannon and Nick Rallis in Arizona.

While the Cardinals’ defense struggled, Michigan State would gladly welcome DeLattiboudere back to the Big Ten—especially if it’s on Pat Fitzgerald’s staff in East Lansing.

Pat Fitzgerald is already putting his stamp on Michigan State’s coaching staff, starting with the re-signing of defensive coordinator Joe Rossi. That move could prove to be a major anchor in pulling Winston DeLattiboudere away from the NFL ranks.

Rossi and DeLattiboudere have an established history together at Minnesota. Rossi joined the Gophers’ staff in 2017 and moved into coaching the defensive line in 2018 before being elevated to interim defensive coordinator and linebackers coach later that season. He remained in that role through 2023 before accepting Michigan State’s defensive coordinator position in 2024.

DeLattiboudere and Rossi worked closely together during the 2023 and 2024 seasons at Minnesota, forming a defensive partnership that helped drive the Gophers’ success in the Big Ten. That existing relationship could be a significant factor in enticing DeLattiboudere back to college football—and back to the Big Ten.

With Rossi now entrenched as the defensive leader in East Lansing, Michigan State can offer DeLattiboudere not just a return to familiar territory, but the opportunity to help an old colleague build a defensive unit capable of becoming a true Big Ten powerhouse.

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