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The final pieces of head coach Jonathan Smith’s coaching staff for Michigan State football are coming together.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Sunday Michigan State is expected to hire Minnesota defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Joe Rossi to the same position with the Spartans.
Sources: Minnesota defensive coordinator Joe Rossi is expected to become the next defensive coordinator at Michigan State.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 10, 2023
Rossi has been with Minnesota since 2017 and took over as defensive coordinator midway through the 2018 season. Since taking over, Minnesota has been ranked in the top 10 in total defense three times and has produced numerous draft picks on the defensive side of the ball.
In his first full season as defensive coordinator in 2019, Minnesota finished ninth in the country in total defense (306.6 yards allowed per game) and tied for 37th in scoring defense (22.5 points allowed per game).
New Michigan State football head coach Jonathan Smith arrives in Lansing on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023.
MEET THE STAFF: Jonathan Smith’s staff is starting to come together at Michigan State. Here’s what we know
Minnesota’s defense was ranked in the top 10 in both yards and scoring in 2021 and 2022 under Rossi. In 2021, they ranked sixth in the country in scoring defense (17.3 points allowed per game) and third in total defense (279 yards allowed per game). The following year, Minnesota ranked fourth in scoring defense (13.8 points allowed per game) and ninth in total defense (294.7 yards allowed per game). The numbers were not as strong in 2023, with the Gophers finishing 71st in scoring (26.9 points allowed per game) and 60th in total defense (373.8 yards allowed per game).
Since he took over the defense, Minnesota has sent 10 defenders to the NFL through the draft. The list of players includes Pro…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/report-michigan-state-football-hires-234409931.html
Author : Detroit Free Press
Publish date : 2023-12-10 23:44:09
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