Three Michigan State staff members Pat Fitzgerald could retain

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Three Michigan State staff members Pat Fitzgerald could retain

New Michigan State head football coach Pat Fitzgerald has gotten through signing day, and is now looking to piece his coaching staff together in East Lansing.

On Saturday, it was announced that Fitzgerald was going to retain Joe Rossi and James Adams on his defensive coaching staff, both impressing the new Spartans head man. As of now, those are the only two staff members that have been announced for Fitzgerald’s staff.

With a whole staff still to get hired, especially with finalizing the rest of the offensive staff, there is still a ton of news to break on who Fitzgerald is going to be taking into the 2026 season with him.

While surely there are still some outside hires to be made, here are a few of the current staff members that could be retained in East Lansing:

Courtney Hawkins (WR coach)

Michigan State's wide receivers coach Courtney Hawkins looks on during the first day of football camp on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in East Lansing.

A man that survived the Mel Tucker to Jonathan Smith transition, I believe he is going to survive the transition to Fitzgerald. As long as the new offensive coordinator is good with Hawkins, he will be around in East Lansing.

A true Spartan from his playing days to his coaching days, Hawkins has kept strong continuity in the wide receiver room despite several editions of turnover.

Brian Wozniak (TE coach)

Michigan State tight ends coach Brian Wozniak looks on during football practice on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in East Lansing.

Wozniak, a Wisconsin grad, is an Ohio native and someone who has done his job phenomenally in East Lansing. Prior to joining MSU’s staff in 2024, he spent 2015-2023 with Oregon State. In East Lansing, he has been responsible for the outstanding development of Michael Masunas and Jack Velling, both plus players in the Spartans offense.

Recruiting, he added a strong in-state addition in Jayden Savourey in 2025, while following it up with Joey Caudill (an Ohio 4-star) and Eddie Whiting, who the Spartans had to beat out Alabama, Florida, Michigan and more for.

Needless to say, Wozniak has done his job, and done it well, and Fitzgerald certainly has taken notice.

Chad Wilt (Rush Ends/Special Teams Coordinator)

Michigan State co-special teams and rush ends coach Chad Wilt works with players during the Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

This one falls more in line with the Rossi retention. Wilt is a Rossi guy, with the two having a past working relationship that continued when Rossi hired Wilt in East Lansing. Given this, I think there is a chance that Wilt stays on as the rush ends coach for the Spartans.

If he is retained, I do not believe he will keep his co-special teams coordinator tag, but there is a chance that Rossi wants him around the defensive line group.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on X @Rex_Linzy

This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Three Michigan State staff members Pat Fitzgerald could retain

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos