Michigan State Football Announces New Coaching and Support Staff Additions
ICARO Media Group
Michigan State University's football program is gearing up for the upcoming season with the addition of several experienced coaches and support staff members. Head coach, Mark Smith, has announced the hiring of Blue Adams as the secondary coach, Keith Bhonapha as the assistant head coach/running backs coach, Brian Lindgren as the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach, Jim Michalczik as the run game coordinator/offensive line coach, Legi Suiaunoa as the defensive line coach, and Brian Wozniak as the tight ends/recruiting coordinator.
Smith expressed his excitement over the new additions, stating, "This is an experienced staff with a proven track record. They have coached numerous NFL Draft picks and All-Americans while winning championships and bowl games throughout their entire coaching careers. This staff has the ability to find talent and develop players, and they have won at every level of football. They are also an outstanding group as people and will create meaningful relationships with our players. I couldn't be more excited to continue working with this excellent staff of coaches and welcome their families to East Lansing."
Blue Adams, who brings nearly 15 years of coaching experience to East Lansing, will take on the role of the Spartans' secondary coach. Adams has coached multiple NFL Draft picks and has a strong emphasis on technique and fundamentals, resulting in a secondary that plays fast, physical, and creates takeaways. Adams spent five seasons on Smith's staff at Oregon State, where he helped guide the team to a bowl game and mentored several standout defensive backs.
Keith Bhonapha, who has 20 years of collegiate experience, including a recent stint at Oregon State, will join the Spartans as the assistant head coach/running backs coach. Bhonapha has a proven track record of developing productive running backs and has been a part of championship teams. He coached sophomore running back Damien Martinez at Oregon State, who became a Doak Walker Award semifinalist and ranked second in the Pac-12 in rushing yards during the regular season.
Brian Lindgren, with 15 years of experience as an offensive coordinator, will serve as the Spartans' offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach. Lindgren has an established offensive identity and a track record of developing successful quarterbacks. During his tenure at Oregon State, Lindgren coached quarterbacks who experienced tremendous success at the college level.
Jim Michalczik, with over 30 years of coaching experience, will take on the role of run game coordinator/offensive line coach. Michalczik is regarded as one of the best offensive line coaches in the country. During his time at Oregon State, he helped build a strong offensive line that received recognition as one of the top units in the nation.
In addition to the coaching staff additions, several support staff members have been hired, including Mike McDonald as the head strength and conditioning coach, Dan Van De Riet as the chief of staff, Cole Moore as the general manager, Michael Doctor as the director of recruiting and player relations, and Austin D'Armond as the director of recruiting communications.
With the addition of these experienced coaches and support staff, Michigan State football is poised for success in the upcoming season. The program is focused on finding and developing talent, while also building meaningful relationships with players. The new staff brings a wealth of experience and a winning mindset to East Lansing, and fans can expect exciting football in the seasons to come.