Photo by: Matthew Mitchell/MSU Athletic Communications
Fitzgerald Announces Additional Coaching Hires for Spartan Football
1/2/2026 5:03:00 PM | Football
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State head football coach Pat Fitzgerald has announced additional coaching hires to the Spartan staff.
Nick Sheridan (offensive coordinator) and LeVar Woods (assistant head coach/special teams coordinator) will both serve in coordinator roles.
Joining Sheridan on the offensive staff will be Mike Bajakian (quarterbacks), Devon Spalding (running backs) and Nick Tabacca (offensive line), in addition to Courtney Hawkins (wide receivers) and Brian Wozniak (tight ends), who will remain on staff.
Defensively, Hank Poteat has been named cornerbacks coach. Fitzgerald previously announced the hires of Joe Rossi (defensive coordinator), Max Bullough (co-defensive coordinator/linebackers) and James Adams (safeties) in December.
New coaching hire bios:
LeVar Woods – Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator
One of the most respected special teams coaches in college football, LeVar Woods will be Michigan State's special teams coordinator along with serving as assistant head coach.
"We are thrilled to have LeVar join our coaching staff," said Fitzgerald. "He is the best special teams coach in the country and brings a tremendous amount of expertise in that phase of the game. His special teams group is the model of consistency and has always been extremely prepared and efficient. They truly make a difference in the outcome of the game. He is also an outstanding leader of young men and will help in all facets of the program as assistant head coach. We welcome LeVar and his family to East Lansing."
Woods has spent the previous 18 years under Kirk Ferentz at Iowa, including the last 14 coaching special teams, with coordinator duties added in 2017. He has led some of the best special teams units in the country throughout his career and has coached multiple All-Americans, national award winners, NFL Draft picks, Pro Bowlers and all-conference players.
Since the inception of the Big Ten Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year in 2015, Iowa players have won the award five times, including four of the last five years and three years in a row. Hawkeye players have earned first-team All-Big Ten honors on 10 occasions on special teams alone since Woods took over the coordinator role in 2018. Under his supervision on special teams, the Hawkeyes have led the Big Ten in kick returns five times (2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2024) and in punt returns twice (2013, 2025).
A former Hawkeye linebacker who spent seven seasons in the NFL, Woods also coached linebackers (2012-14) and tight ends (2015-17) during his tenure in Iowa City. Following his NFL career, Woods began at Iowa as an administrative assistant for four years (2008-11) before moving into an on-field coaching role.
Woods is one of the few assistant coaches in the nation to earn FootballScoop National Coach of the Year awards twice for two different positions (Special Teams Coordinator of the Year in 2023; Co-Linebackers Coach of the Year in 2013).
This past season, Iowa's special teams were once again elite, ranking in the top 20 of the FBS in punt returns (first with 27.7-yard avg.), kick return defense (sixth with 15.1-yard avg.) and kickoff returns (18th with 24.4-yard avg.). Kaden Wetjen earned consensus first-team All-America honors as a return specialist, leading the FBS in punt returns (26.8-yard average), punt return touchdowns (3) and combined kick returns (1,039 yards). He also won the Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year for the second year in a row. In addition, Iowa ranked 23rd in the FBS with two blocked kicks.
Wetjen also led the country in combined return yardage in 2024 as he won the Jet Award for the nation's top return specialist (1,055 yards).
Woods was named the FootballScoop Special Teams Coordinator of the Year in 2023 after another record-breaking season for the Hawkeyes on special teams. Iowa led the FBS in net punting (44.2-yard avg.) while ranking third in blocked punts (2), eighth in kick return defense (15.6) and 10th in blocked kicks (3). Two Hawkeyes were named unanimous first-team All-Americans in punter Tory Taylor and return specialist Cooper DeJean. Taylor, who was also the Big Ten Punter of the Year for the second time in his career, became the first player in school history to win the Ray Guy Award after setting new FBS single-season records for most punt yards (4,479) and average yards per punt (minimum 75 punts: 48.2-yard average). Taylor also finished his Hawkeye career with a 46.3-yard career average on 295 career punts (13,657 yards), breaking the record for career average (minimum 250 career punts).
During the 2021 season, Charlie Jones was named the Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year after ranking second in the FBS in combined kick return yards (920) and kicker Caleb Shudak was a first-team All-Big Ten selection after setting a school record for career field goal accuracy.
Keith Duncan earned Big Ten Kicker of the Year and first-team All-America honors in 2019 after establishing a Big Ten single-season record with 29 made field goals, while Imir Smith-Marsette led the conference and ranked second in the nation with two kickoff return touchdowns. Smith-Marsette was also the Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year in 2018 and ranks second in Big Ten history in career kick return average (28.7).
In addition, Desmond King was one of the top return specialists in college football in 2016 and went on to earn All-Pro recognition in the NFL with the Chargers in 2018.
It wasn't just the players on special teams who excelled under Woods. As the tight ends coach for three seasons (2015-17), Iowa had arguably the best tight ends room in the nation. Three Hawkeye tight ends during that time span were selected in the NFL Draft (George Kittle, T.J. Hockenson, Noah Fant), and in 2019, Hockenson (No. 8) and Fant (No. 20) were both drafted in the first round as Iowa became the first school in the nation to have two tight ends picked in the first round in the same year. Kittle and Hockenson have gone on to earn multiple Pro Bowl honors in the NFL.
As linebackers coach from 2012-14, Woods teamed up with assistant Jim Reid to help lead the Hawkeye defense rank among the best in the nation. Woods and Reid were named the FootballScoop National Co-Linebacker Coaches of the Year in 2013 as Iowa ranked sixth in the FBS in total defense, ninth in scoring defense and No. 19 in rushing defense. Woods coached the trio of Anthony Hitchens, Christian Kirksey and James Morris, and they each recorded more than 100 tackles while earning all-conference recognition.
Woods lettered three seasons as a linebacker at Iowa (1998-2000) and was a two-year starter, collecting 165 career tackles, including 18 for loss and four sacks. As a senior and team captain in 2000, he garnered honorable mention All-Big Ten after tallying 97 tackles. He was selected as the co-MVP and the recipient of the Hayden Fry "Extra Heartbeat Award," which is given each year to the Hawkeye player who gives extraordinary effort on the field.
Woods spent seven seasons in the NFL, playing with Arizona (2001-04), Detroit (2005-06) and Tennessee (2006-07), totaling 168 tackles in 88 career games.
A native of Inwood, Iowa, Woods has always given time back to the community throughout his career. During his stint with the Cardinals, Woods was named a finalist for both the Byron "Whizzer" White and Walter Payton Man of the Year awards, recognizing his contributions to charity. He has hosted several youth football camps and contributed his time to charitable organizations, including the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids foundation, Homeward Bound, Soup Kitchen, Youth Christmas shopping trips and Milk and Cookies Youth Reading Program, along with speaking engagements to elementary school children. Woods was also instrumental in developing the Hawkeye Readers youth reading program in conjunction with the Iowa City: UNESCO City of Literature, which helps promote the importance of literacy to children.
He earned his degree in elementary education from Iowa in December 2000.
THE WOODS FILE
PREVIOUS COACHING EXPERIENCE:
Linebackers coach/special teams at Iowa (2012-14)
Tight ends coach/special teams at Iowa (2015-16)
Tight ends coach/special teams coordinator at Iowa (2017)
Special teams coordinator at Iowa (2018-25)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
College: Three-year letterwinner as a linebacker at Iowa (1998-2000).
Professional: Played seven seasons in the NFL (Arizona, 2001-04; Detroit, 2005-06; Tennessee, 2006-07).
Nick Sheridan – Offensive Coordinator
Nick Sheridan, who has spent the last two seasons at Alabama, will join Michigan State's staff as the offensive coordinator.
A coaching veteran of 15 years in the collegiate ranks, Sheridan has previous experience as an offensive coordinator at Alabama and Indiana.
"Nick Sheridan has worked with some of the best offensive coaches and quarterbacks in the country the past few years," said Fitzgerald. "He is an experienced and knowledgeable play caller who emphasizes balance and physicality. He also has a track record of developing quarterbacks at a high level. We're excited to have Nick and his family in East Lansing."
In his first season as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Alabama in 2024 under Kalen DeBoer, the Crimson Tide ranked third in the SEC and No. 22 in the FBS with 33.8 points per game. Alabama also rushed for 41 touchdowns, a total that led the SEC and ranked fifth most in the nation. Starting quarterback Jalen Milroe was selected in the third round (No. 92 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and three players on offense earned All-SEC honors (WR Ryan Williams and OL Tyler Booker, first team; OL Kadyn Proctor, second team).
As co-offensive coordinator and QBs coach in 2025, Sheridan helped develop starter Ty Simpson, a second-team All-SEC selection who guided Alabama to 11 wins and a berth in the CFP Quarterfinals (Rose Bowl Game). Simpson threw for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns this season, figures that rank No. 2 in the SEC and top 10 in the FBS.
Sheridan also coached with DeBoer at Washington for two seasons as the tight ends coach, helping the Huskies go 25-3 in 2022-23 while winning the 2023 Pac-12 title and reaching the CFP National Championship Game. Sheridan's tight ends contributed to a passing offense that ranked No. 1 in the FBS in 2022 and No. 2 in 2023. During UW's march to the title game in 2023, Jack Westover paced the Husky tight ends with 46 catches for 433 yards and four TDs.
Prior to Washington, Sheridan spent five seasons at Indiana (2017-21), including the last two as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach. He helped mentor Michael Penix Jr. in Bloomington as the lefty QB earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2020 while leading the conference in passing (274.2 ypg). Penix went on to a record-setting career at Washington, winning the Maxwell Award in 2023, and was a first-round selection (No. 8 overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft by Atlanta. Sheridan's offense in 2020 also featured Ty Fryfogle, who was named the Big Ten Receiver of the Year, as the Hoosiers finished No. 12 in the AP rankings.
Sheridan first worked with DeBoer at Indiana in 2019, as DeBoer was the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach and Sheridan coached the tight ends. Under Sheridan in 2019, Hoosier tight end Peyton Hendershot set school records for a tight end with 52 receptions for 622 yards while earning All-Big Ten recognition for the third time in his career. Sheridan spent his first two years (2017-18) at Indiana coaching the quarterbacks.
Before coaching at Indiana, Sheridan was an offensive graduate assistant at Tennessee for three seasons (2014-16). While he was at UT, Sheridan worked with quarterback Joshua Dobbs in 2016; Dobbs finished his career with 7,138 passing yards, fifth most in Volunteer history, and was selected in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by Pittsburgh.
Sheridan's first collegiate position came as an offensive graduate assistant at Western Kentucky in 2011. He was promoted to quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator at WKU in 2012 before taking the same position at USF in 2013.
Following his playing career at Michigan as a quarterback and earning two letters (2008-09), Sheridan starting his coaching career as the QB coach at his alma mater, Saline High School, in 2010.
Sheridan and his wife, Sarah, have two sons, Beau and Heath, and one daughter, Sloane.
Sheridan's father, Bill, spent three years as a linebackers coach (1998-2000) at Michigan State.
THE SHERIDAN FILE
PREVIOUS COLLEGIATE COACHING EXPERIENCE:
Graduate assistant at Western Kentucky (2011)
Quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator at Western Kentucky (2012)
Quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator at South Florida (2013)
Graduate assistant at Tennessee (2014-16)
Quarterbacks coach at Indiana (2017-18)
Tight ends coach at Indiana (2019)
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Indiana (2020-21)
Tight ends coach at Washington (2022-23)
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Alabama (2024)
Co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Alabama (2025)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
Two-year letterwinner as a quarterback at Michigan (2008-09)
Mike Bajakian – Quarterbacks Coach
A 30-year coaching veteran who has extensive experience at both the collegiate and NFL level, Mike Bajakian joins the Spartan staff as the quarterbacks coach. Bajakian previously worked with Fitzgerald at Northwestern, serving as the Wildcats offensive coordinator for three seasons (2020-22) under Fitzgerald and four seasons overall.
Bajakian has been an offensive coordinator at seven different schools (Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Tennessee, Boston College, Northwestern, Utah, Massachusetts) throughout his career for a total of 14 seasons; he has also coached quarterbacks at the FBS level for 19 seasons. In addition, Bajakian coached in the NFL for three seasons with the Bears (offensive quality control/wide receivers from 2004-06) and four seasons with the Buccaneers (quarterbacks coach from 2015-18).
"I've known Mike for many years and have been impressed with how he teaches the game," said Fitzgerald. "He has worked with highly talented quarterbacks throughout his entire career and has coached at the highest levels of football. His insight of offensive schemes and personnel will benefit the entire offensive staff."
Bajakian most recently served as the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at UMass for the 2025 season. In 2024, Bajakian was the quarterbacks coach at Utah before taking over as interim offensive coordinator for the final five games of the season.
During his time as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Northwestern (2020-23), the Wildcats won the 2020 Big Ten West Division title along with bowl victories over Auburn (2021 Citrus Bowl) and Utah (2023 Las Vegas Bowl). NU finished the 2020 season ranked No. 10 in the final AP Poll as Bajakian coached quarterback Peyton Ramsey to a successful senior season that concluded with winning Citrus Bowl MVP honors.
In his one season as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Boston College, the Eagles boasted the top rushing offense in the ACC and eighth-best in the FBS, averaging 253.3 yards per game.
Bajakian coached the quarterbacks for four seasons (2015-18) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in his second stint in the NFL. During his first season with the Bucs in 2015, he helped Jameis Winston earn the Pepsi Offensive Rookie of the Year Award as Winston set team rookie records for passing yards, passing touchdowns, pass completions and passer rating. In 2016, Winston set then single-season franchise records for passing yards (4,090) and touchdowns (28), becoming the youngest player to throw for 50 touchdowns in NFL history. Bajakian coached Winston to a career best in completion percentage (.646) during his third season in 2017, and in 2018, Bajakian was on staff to see Tampa Bay lead the NFL with 320.3 passing yards per game with the team wrapping up the season ranked No. 3 in total offense.
Bajakian joined the Buccaneers from Tennessee, where he served as the team's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He was a part of a coaching staff that helped the Vols to their first bowl game appearance since 2010 and their first bowl victory since 2007, winning the Taxslayer Bowl over Iowa to cap the 2014 season.
Bajakian has had additional coaching stops at Cincinnati (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach from 2010-12), Central Michigan (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach from 2007-09) and the Chicago Bears (offensive quality control/wide receivers from 2004-06). While at Cincinnati, the Bearcats won back-to-back Co-BIG EAST championships and led the conference in scoring offense and total offense in two of the three seasons. During his time at Central Michigan as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, the Chippewas won two MAC championships and set numerous school records on offense. Bajakian was instrumental in the development of quarterback Dan LeFevour, who set the MAC career record for most passing yards (12,905) and was twice named the MAC Offensive Player of the Year (2007, 2009).
A native of River Vale, New Jersey, Bajakian was an All-New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) selection and All-ECAC quarterback honoree while playing for Williams College.
THE BAJAKIAN FILE
PREVIOUS COACHING EXPERIENCE:
Quarterbacks coach at Delbarton School (1996-97)
Graduate assistant (defensive backs) at Rutgers (1998-99)
Graduate assistant (quarterbacks) at Michigan (2000-01)
Quarterbacks coach at Central Michigan (2002-03)
Offensive quality control/wide receivers with Chicago Bears (2004-06)
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Central Michigan (2007-09)
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Cincinnati (2010-12)
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Tennessee (2013-14)
Quarterbacks coach with Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2015-18)
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Boston College (2019)
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Northwestern (2020-23)
Interim offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Utah (2024)
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at UMass (2025)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
College: Played quarterback at Williams College (Mass.)
Hank Poteat – Cornerbacks Coach
A veteran coach of 15 years in college who also won a Super Bowl ring during his 10-year NFL career, Hank Poteat will coach the cornerbacks for the Spartan defense.
"Hank has consistently developed all-conference players and sent players to the NFL throughout his entire career," said Fitzgerald. "He won a Super Bowl ring and knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level. I'm looking forward to him bringing that mindset to our defense on a daily basis."
Poteat arrives in East Lansing after spending the previous three seasons (2023-25) as the cornerbacks coach at Iowa State. During the 2024 season, Jontez Williams led the team with four interceptions and earned second-team All-Big 12 honors as the Cyclones ranked No. 1 in the FBS in pass defense, allowing just 165.6 yards per game.
In Poteat's first year in Ames, the Cyclones ranked second in the Big 12 and No. 10 in the FBS with 16 interceptions. He mentored T.J. Tampa, who earned first-team All-Big 12 and third-team All-America accolades while being named a semifinalist for the Thorpe and Bednarik Awards; Tampa was selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens and is currently in his second season in the NFL.
Poteat has previous Big Ten experience, coaching cornerbacks at Wisconsin for two seasons (2021-22). The Badgers were second in the Big Ten and No. 7 nationally in interceptions with 17 in 2022, and in 2021, both of UW's starting cornerbacks – Faion Hicks and Caesar Williams – picked up All-Big Ten recognition. Hicks was selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Broncos.
Prior to his time at Wisconsin, Poteat spent four successful seasons (2017-20) with the cornerbacks at Toledo. He tutored Ka'dar Hollman, who led the MAC with 12 pass break-ups as a senior in 2018 and was selected in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Packers; Hollman went on to play four seasons in NFL. Toledo's pass defense was one of the best in the nation during its 2017 MAC Championship season, ranking No. 2 in the MAC and 22nd in the FBS in pass efficiency defense.
Poteat coached three All-MAC cornerbacks in just two seasons (2015-16) at Kent State, including two first-team selections. In 2016, Najee Murray ranked 11th in the country with 16 passes defended, while in 2015, Demetrius Monday recorded six interceptions.
Poteat returned to his alma mater at Pittsburgh as a graduate assistant (2013-14) after landing his first coaching position with the cornerbacks at Kentucky Christian (2011-12).
Poteat was a standout player at Pittsburgh during his collegiate career from 1996-99, twice earning first-team All-BIG EAST honors as a cornerback while leading the team in interceptions as a junior (6) and senior (3). A two-time captain, Poteat still holds school records for most kick return yards (2,010) and combined kick return yards (2,509).
He was invited to the Senior Bowl and selected in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Steelers. A 10-year NFL veteran, spending time with the Steelers, Buccaneers, Patriots, Jets and Browns, Poteat won a Super Bowl ring with the Patriots during the 2004 season. He graduated from Pittsburgh with a degree in social sciences in 2011.
Poteat and his wife, Jasmine, have two daughters, Ariana and Sierra, and a son, Tre.
THE POTEAT FILE
PREVIOUS COLLEGIATE COACHING EXPERIENCE:
Cornerbacks coach at Kentucky Christian (2011-12)
Graduate assistant at Pittsburgh (2013-14)
Cornerbacks coach at Kent State (2015-16)
Cornerbacks coach at Toledo (2017-20)
Cornerbacks coach at Wisconsin (2021-22)
Cornerbacks coach at Iowa State (2023-25)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
College: Four-year letterwinner as a cornerback and kick returner at Pittsburgh (1996-99)
Professional: Played 10 seasons in the NFL with Pittsburgh (2000-02), Tampa Bay (2003), New England (2004-06), New York Jets (2006-08) and Cleveland (2009).
Devon Spalding – Running Backs Coach
Devon Spalding arrives in East Lansing as the program's running backs coach after spending the previous three seasons (2023-25) in the same position at Wisconsin.
"Devon has already mentored some excellent running backs in his young coaching career," said Fitzgerald. "He has shown he can relate with players and he also understands the recruiting landscape in the Midwest. I'm looking forward to Devon continuing his growth as a coach on our staff."
Spalding coached two running backs who earned All-Big Ten honors at UW, including Braelon Allen, a second-team selection in 2023 who ranked third in the conference with 984 rushing yards while averaging a Big Ten-best 5.44 yards per carry. He also tied his career high with 12 rushing touchdowns. Allen, who finished his Badger career with 3,494 rushing yards, ninth-most in program history, was a fourth-round NFL Draft pick by the Jets and has played the last two seasons in the NFL.
In 2024, Tawee Walker was honorable mention All-Big Ten for the Badgers after leading the team with 864 yards and 10 touchdowns.
At the onset of Spalding's first season in Madison, he was named to the 247Sports "30 Under 30" List for 2023 as one of college football's rising stars in the profession.
Prior to coaching in the Big Ten at Wisconsin, Spalding spent three years (2020-22) at Youngstown State. During his time at YSU, Spalding coached record-breaking running back Jaleel McLaughlin, who was named the MVFC Offensive Player of the Year in 2022 after rushing for 1,588 yards. Between two seasons at Division II Notre Dame College and two seasons at Youngstown State, McLaughlin set the NCAA all-division career rushing record with 8,166 career yards.
In the spring season of 2021, McLaughlin was a second-team All-MVFC pick as he rushed for 634 yards in the final five games. He improved to first-team honors in the fall after gaining 1,139 yards and 12 TDs in just 10 games, including six 100-yards games and a 242-yard performance in the season opener.
Spalding began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Cincinnati in 2019 as the Bearcats went 11-3 and claimed a victory in the Birmingham Bowl.
Spalding played running back and wide receiver at Central Michigan from 2014-18. During the 2016 season, he started 10 games at running back and rushed for 765 yards and six TDs. As a senior in 2018, he earned the team's Dustin Preston Leadership Award. Overall, he rushed for 1,457 yards and scored 13 touchdowns in 41 career games.
The Canton, Michigan, native was an all-state running back at John Glenn High School and ran for 1,761 yards and a school-record 27 touchdowns as a senior in 2013. He rushed for 491 yards against Livonia Churchill during his senior campaign, the third-highest single-game total in MHSAA history.
THE SPALDING FILE
PREVIOUS COACHING EXPERIENCE:
Graduate assistant at Cincinnati (2019)
Running backs coach at Youngstown State (2020-22)
Running backs coach at Wisconsin (2023-25)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
College: Played five seasons (2014-18) and was a three-year letterwinner (2014, 2016, 2018) as a wide receiver and running back at Central Michigan.
Nick Tabacca – Offensive Line Coach
Nick Tabacca, who has 20 years of offensive line coaching experience, has been named Michigan State's offensive line coach.
Tabacca most recently spent 11 seasons (2014-24) coaching the o-line at Wake Forest, helping send several players to the NFL throughout his tenue in Winston-Salem. Wake Forest played in a school-record seven consecutive bowl games from 2016-22 and rewrote the offensive record book under former head coach Dave Clawson.
Tabacca also worked with current Michigan State safeties coach James Adams for three seasons (2022-24) at Wake.
"Nick Tabacca is an established coach who has consistently demonstrated the ability to get the most out of his players and build a cohesive and effective offensive line," said Fitzgerald. "He cultivated one of the best o-lines in the ACC during his time at Wake Forest and has coached numerous players who have gone on to the NFL."
Eight Demon Deacon offensive linemen, including four NFL Draft picks, played in the NFL under Tabacca's tutelage. In addition, Tabacca coached Matt Gulbin, who transferred to Michigan State for the 2025 season and was named a team captain, for four seasons at Wake Forest (2021-24); Gulbin was graded as the No. 2 center in the FBS by Pro Football Focus for the 2025 season and is an NFL Draft prospect in 2026.
After starting 46 games, Michael Jurgens was selected in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft by Minnesota and he has spent the past two seasons in the NFL with the Vikings. Jurgens began his career at center but moved to guard his senior year, where he was the highest-graded Power-5 interior lineman according to PFF (83.7) in 2023.
Several Demon Deacons coached by Tabacca earned All-ACC honors, including Zach Tom (first team in 2021) and Sean Maginn (second team in 2022 and third team in 2021). Tom, who also earned second-team All-America honors, was chosen in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by Green Bay and has started the past four years at tackle for the Packers.
Prior to coaching at Wake Forest, Tabacca spent two years as the offensive line coach at his alma mater, Ball State, from 2012-13. During his two seasons at Ball State, the Cardinals went 19-7 and earned back-to-back bowl bids while his players garnered All-MAC honors four times. In 2012, Tabacca was named one of the finalists for the FootballScoop Offensive Line Coach of the Year.
He also has full-time coaching experience at Butler (co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach in 2011; offensive line coach in 2010) and Defiance College (offensive coordinator/offensive line from 2008-09; offensive line in 2007). Five of his linemen picked up all-conference recognition during his time at Butler, and seven o-linemen were all-league selections during his time at Defiance.
Tabacca began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Ball State (2005-06) following his four-year playing career (2001-04) for the Cardinals. He was named a captain his senior year and was a two-time All-MAC Academic selection while starting in 33 games his final three seasons.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Tabacca and wife Alyssa have five children: Sophia, Lucas, Lily, Grace and William.
THE TABACCA FILE
PREVIOUS COACHING EXPERIENCE:
Graduate assistant at Ball State (2005-06)
Offensive line coach at Defiance (2007)
Offensive coordinator/offensive line coach at Defiance (2008-09)
Offensive line at Butler (2010)
Co-offensive coordinator/offensive line coach at Butler (2011)
Offensive line coach at Ball State (2012-13)
Offensive line coach at Wake Forest (2014-24)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
College: Four-year letterman as an offensive lineman at Ball State (2001-04)
Returning coaching hire snapshot bios:
Courtney Hawkins – Wide Receivers Coach
Former Spartan great and nine-year NFL veteran Courtney Hawkins, who has been Michigan State's wide receivers coach since 2020, will enter his seventh season on the Spartan coaching staff in 2026. Three wide receivers he has coached at MSU are currently playing in the NFL (Jayden Reed, Packers; Jalen Nailor, Vikings; Keon Coleman, Bills).
"Courtney Hawkins is a true Spartan who bleeds Green and White," said Fitzgerald. "His resume of coaching and producing wide receivers speaks for itself. He also has positive relationships with coaches from around the state of Michigan and the entire Midwest. We're excited to have Courtney on staff to continue the proud tradition of great Spartan wide receivers."
Hawkins came to Michigan State in February 2020 after serving as the head football coach and athletic director at his alma mater, Beecher High School, in Flint, Michigan, from 2006 to 2020. A four-year letterwinner at Michigan State (1988-91) under Coach George Perles, Hawkins was a two-time first-team All-Big Ten honoree at wide receiver before playing nine seasons in the NFL.
Complete bio available at msuspartans.com: https://msuspartans.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/courtney-hawkins/1690
Brian Wozniak – Tight Ends Coach
Brian Wozniak, who has 11 years of collegiate coaching experience, will be entering his third season on staff at Michigan State after arriving with former head coach Jonathan Smith from Oregon State in December 2023.
"Brian is a proven recruiter and has done a great job of developing tight ends throughout his career," said Fitzgerald. "He also has Big Ten roots and understands what it takes to win in this conference. He has the ability to connect with players so they can make a positive impact on and off the field."
Wozniak helped mentor Spartan tight ends Jack Velling and Michael Masunas the past two years in East Lansing. Velling earned third-team All-Big Ten honors as a senior in 2025 with 36 catches for 359 yards and three touchdowns, while Masunas also had three TDs to go along with career highs in receptions (19) and receiving yards (232).
Wozniak coached Velling all four years of his collegiate career (2022-23 at Oregon State; 2024-25 at MSU) as the Seattle native and two-time Mackey Award Watch List member accumulated 117 catches for 1,489 yards and 15 TDs in 47 games.
Wozniak began his coaching career as an offensive graduate coach at Oregon State under Smith for three years (2015-17) and was promoted to tight ends coach in 2018, a role he served in Corvallis until his arrival to Michigan State. He coached two NFL Draft picks (Luke Musgrave, Teagan Quitoriano) during his time at OSU.
A native of Loveland, Ohio, Wozniak was a four-year letterwinner as a tight end at Wisconsin (2010-13), helping the Badgers to a bowl game all four years he lettered in Madison, including the Rose Bowl in three straight seasons (2010-12).
Complete bio available at msuspartans.com: https://msuspartans.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/brian-wozniak/1692
Nick Sheridan (offensive coordinator) and LeVar Woods (assistant head coach/special teams coordinator) will both serve in coordinator roles.
Joining Sheridan on the offensive staff will be Mike Bajakian (quarterbacks), Devon Spalding (running backs) and Nick Tabacca (offensive line), in addition to Courtney Hawkins (wide receivers) and Brian Wozniak (tight ends), who will remain on staff.
Defensively, Hank Poteat has been named cornerbacks coach. Fitzgerald previously announced the hires of Joe Rossi (defensive coordinator), Max Bullough (co-defensive coordinator/linebackers) and James Adams (safeties) in December.
New coaching hire bios:
LeVar Woods – Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator
One of the most respected special teams coaches in college football, LeVar Woods will be Michigan State's special teams coordinator along with serving as assistant head coach.
"We are thrilled to have LeVar join our coaching staff," said Fitzgerald. "He is the best special teams coach in the country and brings a tremendous amount of expertise in that phase of the game. His special teams group is the model of consistency and has always been extremely prepared and efficient. They truly make a difference in the outcome of the game. He is also an outstanding leader of young men and will help in all facets of the program as assistant head coach. We welcome LeVar and his family to East Lansing."
Woods has spent the previous 18 years under Kirk Ferentz at Iowa, including the last 14 coaching special teams, with coordinator duties added in 2017. He has led some of the best special teams units in the country throughout his career and has coached multiple All-Americans, national award winners, NFL Draft picks, Pro Bowlers and all-conference players.
Since the inception of the Big Ten Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year in 2015, Iowa players have won the award five times, including four of the last five years and three years in a row. Hawkeye players have earned first-team All-Big Ten honors on 10 occasions on special teams alone since Woods took over the coordinator role in 2018. Under his supervision on special teams, the Hawkeyes have led the Big Ten in kick returns five times (2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2024) and in punt returns twice (2013, 2025).
A former Hawkeye linebacker who spent seven seasons in the NFL, Woods also coached linebackers (2012-14) and tight ends (2015-17) during his tenure in Iowa City. Following his NFL career, Woods began at Iowa as an administrative assistant for four years (2008-11) before moving into an on-field coaching role.
Woods is one of the few assistant coaches in the nation to earn FootballScoop National Coach of the Year awards twice for two different positions (Special Teams Coordinator of the Year in 2023; Co-Linebackers Coach of the Year in 2013).
This past season, Iowa's special teams were once again elite, ranking in the top 20 of the FBS in punt returns (first with 27.7-yard avg.), kick return defense (sixth with 15.1-yard avg.) and kickoff returns (18th with 24.4-yard avg.). Kaden Wetjen earned consensus first-team All-America honors as a return specialist, leading the FBS in punt returns (26.8-yard average), punt return touchdowns (3) and combined kick returns (1,039 yards). He also won the Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year for the second year in a row. In addition, Iowa ranked 23rd in the FBS with two blocked kicks.
Wetjen also led the country in combined return yardage in 2024 as he won the Jet Award for the nation's top return specialist (1,055 yards).
Woods was named the FootballScoop Special Teams Coordinator of the Year in 2023 after another record-breaking season for the Hawkeyes on special teams. Iowa led the FBS in net punting (44.2-yard avg.) while ranking third in blocked punts (2), eighth in kick return defense (15.6) and 10th in blocked kicks (3). Two Hawkeyes were named unanimous first-team All-Americans in punter Tory Taylor and return specialist Cooper DeJean. Taylor, who was also the Big Ten Punter of the Year for the second time in his career, became the first player in school history to win the Ray Guy Award after setting new FBS single-season records for most punt yards (4,479) and average yards per punt (minimum 75 punts: 48.2-yard average). Taylor also finished his Hawkeye career with a 46.3-yard career average on 295 career punts (13,657 yards), breaking the record for career average (minimum 250 career punts).
During the 2021 season, Charlie Jones was named the Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year after ranking second in the FBS in combined kick return yards (920) and kicker Caleb Shudak was a first-team All-Big Ten selection after setting a school record for career field goal accuracy.
Keith Duncan earned Big Ten Kicker of the Year and first-team All-America honors in 2019 after establishing a Big Ten single-season record with 29 made field goals, while Imir Smith-Marsette led the conference and ranked second in the nation with two kickoff return touchdowns. Smith-Marsette was also the Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year in 2018 and ranks second in Big Ten history in career kick return average (28.7).
In addition, Desmond King was one of the top return specialists in college football in 2016 and went on to earn All-Pro recognition in the NFL with the Chargers in 2018.
It wasn't just the players on special teams who excelled under Woods. As the tight ends coach for three seasons (2015-17), Iowa had arguably the best tight ends room in the nation. Three Hawkeye tight ends during that time span were selected in the NFL Draft (George Kittle, T.J. Hockenson, Noah Fant), and in 2019, Hockenson (No. 8) and Fant (No. 20) were both drafted in the first round as Iowa became the first school in the nation to have two tight ends picked in the first round in the same year. Kittle and Hockenson have gone on to earn multiple Pro Bowl honors in the NFL.
As linebackers coach from 2012-14, Woods teamed up with assistant Jim Reid to help lead the Hawkeye defense rank among the best in the nation. Woods and Reid were named the FootballScoop National Co-Linebacker Coaches of the Year in 2013 as Iowa ranked sixth in the FBS in total defense, ninth in scoring defense and No. 19 in rushing defense. Woods coached the trio of Anthony Hitchens, Christian Kirksey and James Morris, and they each recorded more than 100 tackles while earning all-conference recognition.
Woods lettered three seasons as a linebacker at Iowa (1998-2000) and was a two-year starter, collecting 165 career tackles, including 18 for loss and four sacks. As a senior and team captain in 2000, he garnered honorable mention All-Big Ten after tallying 97 tackles. He was selected as the co-MVP and the recipient of the Hayden Fry "Extra Heartbeat Award," which is given each year to the Hawkeye player who gives extraordinary effort on the field.
Woods spent seven seasons in the NFL, playing with Arizona (2001-04), Detroit (2005-06) and Tennessee (2006-07), totaling 168 tackles in 88 career games.
A native of Inwood, Iowa, Woods has always given time back to the community throughout his career. During his stint with the Cardinals, Woods was named a finalist for both the Byron "Whizzer" White and Walter Payton Man of the Year awards, recognizing his contributions to charity. He has hosted several youth football camps and contributed his time to charitable organizations, including the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids foundation, Homeward Bound, Soup Kitchen, Youth Christmas shopping trips and Milk and Cookies Youth Reading Program, along with speaking engagements to elementary school children. Woods was also instrumental in developing the Hawkeye Readers youth reading program in conjunction with the Iowa City: UNESCO City of Literature, which helps promote the importance of literacy to children.
He earned his degree in elementary education from Iowa in December 2000.
THE WOODS FILE
PREVIOUS COACHING EXPERIENCE:
Linebackers coach/special teams at Iowa (2012-14)
Tight ends coach/special teams at Iowa (2015-16)
Tight ends coach/special teams coordinator at Iowa (2017)
Special teams coordinator at Iowa (2018-25)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
College: Three-year letterwinner as a linebacker at Iowa (1998-2000).
Professional: Played seven seasons in the NFL (Arizona, 2001-04; Detroit, 2005-06; Tennessee, 2006-07).
Nick Sheridan – Offensive Coordinator
Nick Sheridan, who has spent the last two seasons at Alabama, will join Michigan State's staff as the offensive coordinator.
A coaching veteran of 15 years in the collegiate ranks, Sheridan has previous experience as an offensive coordinator at Alabama and Indiana.
"Nick Sheridan has worked with some of the best offensive coaches and quarterbacks in the country the past few years," said Fitzgerald. "He is an experienced and knowledgeable play caller who emphasizes balance and physicality. He also has a track record of developing quarterbacks at a high level. We're excited to have Nick and his family in East Lansing."
In his first season as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Alabama in 2024 under Kalen DeBoer, the Crimson Tide ranked third in the SEC and No. 22 in the FBS with 33.8 points per game. Alabama also rushed for 41 touchdowns, a total that led the SEC and ranked fifth most in the nation. Starting quarterback Jalen Milroe was selected in the third round (No. 92 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Seahawks and three players on offense earned All-SEC honors (WR Ryan Williams and OL Tyler Booker, first team; OL Kadyn Proctor, second team).
As co-offensive coordinator and QBs coach in 2025, Sheridan helped develop starter Ty Simpson, a second-team All-SEC selection who guided Alabama to 11 wins and a berth in the CFP Quarterfinals (Rose Bowl Game). Simpson threw for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns this season, figures that rank No. 2 in the SEC and top 10 in the FBS.
Sheridan also coached with DeBoer at Washington for two seasons as the tight ends coach, helping the Huskies go 25-3 in 2022-23 while winning the 2023 Pac-12 title and reaching the CFP National Championship Game. Sheridan's tight ends contributed to a passing offense that ranked No. 1 in the FBS in 2022 and No. 2 in 2023. During UW's march to the title game in 2023, Jack Westover paced the Husky tight ends with 46 catches for 433 yards and four TDs.
Prior to Washington, Sheridan spent five seasons at Indiana (2017-21), including the last two as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach. He helped mentor Michael Penix Jr. in Bloomington as the lefty QB earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2020 while leading the conference in passing (274.2 ypg). Penix went on to a record-setting career at Washington, winning the Maxwell Award in 2023, and was a first-round selection (No. 8 overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft by Atlanta. Sheridan's offense in 2020 also featured Ty Fryfogle, who was named the Big Ten Receiver of the Year, as the Hoosiers finished No. 12 in the AP rankings.
Sheridan first worked with DeBoer at Indiana in 2019, as DeBoer was the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach and Sheridan coached the tight ends. Under Sheridan in 2019, Hoosier tight end Peyton Hendershot set school records for a tight end with 52 receptions for 622 yards while earning All-Big Ten recognition for the third time in his career. Sheridan spent his first two years (2017-18) at Indiana coaching the quarterbacks.
Before coaching at Indiana, Sheridan was an offensive graduate assistant at Tennessee for three seasons (2014-16). While he was at UT, Sheridan worked with quarterback Joshua Dobbs in 2016; Dobbs finished his career with 7,138 passing yards, fifth most in Volunteer history, and was selected in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by Pittsburgh.
Sheridan's first collegiate position came as an offensive graduate assistant at Western Kentucky in 2011. He was promoted to quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator at WKU in 2012 before taking the same position at USF in 2013.
Following his playing career at Michigan as a quarterback and earning two letters (2008-09), Sheridan starting his coaching career as the QB coach at his alma mater, Saline High School, in 2010.
Sheridan and his wife, Sarah, have two sons, Beau and Heath, and one daughter, Sloane.
Sheridan's father, Bill, spent three years as a linebackers coach (1998-2000) at Michigan State.
THE SHERIDAN FILE
PREVIOUS COLLEGIATE COACHING EXPERIENCE:
Graduate assistant at Western Kentucky (2011)
Quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator at Western Kentucky (2012)
Quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator at South Florida (2013)
Graduate assistant at Tennessee (2014-16)
Quarterbacks coach at Indiana (2017-18)
Tight ends coach at Indiana (2019)
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Indiana (2020-21)
Tight ends coach at Washington (2022-23)
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Alabama (2024)
Co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Alabama (2025)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
Two-year letterwinner as a quarterback at Michigan (2008-09)
Mike Bajakian – Quarterbacks Coach
A 30-year coaching veteran who has extensive experience at both the collegiate and NFL level, Mike Bajakian joins the Spartan staff as the quarterbacks coach. Bajakian previously worked with Fitzgerald at Northwestern, serving as the Wildcats offensive coordinator for three seasons (2020-22) under Fitzgerald and four seasons overall.
Bajakian has been an offensive coordinator at seven different schools (Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Tennessee, Boston College, Northwestern, Utah, Massachusetts) throughout his career for a total of 14 seasons; he has also coached quarterbacks at the FBS level for 19 seasons. In addition, Bajakian coached in the NFL for three seasons with the Bears (offensive quality control/wide receivers from 2004-06) and four seasons with the Buccaneers (quarterbacks coach from 2015-18).
"I've known Mike for many years and have been impressed with how he teaches the game," said Fitzgerald. "He has worked with highly talented quarterbacks throughout his entire career and has coached at the highest levels of football. His insight of offensive schemes and personnel will benefit the entire offensive staff."
Bajakian most recently served as the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at UMass for the 2025 season. In 2024, Bajakian was the quarterbacks coach at Utah before taking over as interim offensive coordinator for the final five games of the season.
During his time as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Northwestern (2020-23), the Wildcats won the 2020 Big Ten West Division title along with bowl victories over Auburn (2021 Citrus Bowl) and Utah (2023 Las Vegas Bowl). NU finished the 2020 season ranked No. 10 in the final AP Poll as Bajakian coached quarterback Peyton Ramsey to a successful senior season that concluded with winning Citrus Bowl MVP honors.
In his one season as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Boston College, the Eagles boasted the top rushing offense in the ACC and eighth-best in the FBS, averaging 253.3 yards per game.
Bajakian coached the quarterbacks for four seasons (2015-18) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in his second stint in the NFL. During his first season with the Bucs in 2015, he helped Jameis Winston earn the Pepsi Offensive Rookie of the Year Award as Winston set team rookie records for passing yards, passing touchdowns, pass completions and passer rating. In 2016, Winston set then single-season franchise records for passing yards (4,090) and touchdowns (28), becoming the youngest player to throw for 50 touchdowns in NFL history. Bajakian coached Winston to a career best in completion percentage (.646) during his third season in 2017, and in 2018, Bajakian was on staff to see Tampa Bay lead the NFL with 320.3 passing yards per game with the team wrapping up the season ranked No. 3 in total offense.
Bajakian joined the Buccaneers from Tennessee, where he served as the team's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He was a part of a coaching staff that helped the Vols to their first bowl game appearance since 2010 and their first bowl victory since 2007, winning the Taxslayer Bowl over Iowa to cap the 2014 season.
Bajakian has had additional coaching stops at Cincinnati (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach from 2010-12), Central Michigan (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach from 2007-09) and the Chicago Bears (offensive quality control/wide receivers from 2004-06). While at Cincinnati, the Bearcats won back-to-back Co-BIG EAST championships and led the conference in scoring offense and total offense in two of the three seasons. During his time at Central Michigan as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, the Chippewas won two MAC championships and set numerous school records on offense. Bajakian was instrumental in the development of quarterback Dan LeFevour, who set the MAC career record for most passing yards (12,905) and was twice named the MAC Offensive Player of the Year (2007, 2009).
A native of River Vale, New Jersey, Bajakian was an All-New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) selection and All-ECAC quarterback honoree while playing for Williams College.
THE BAJAKIAN FILE
PREVIOUS COACHING EXPERIENCE:
Quarterbacks coach at Delbarton School (1996-97)
Graduate assistant (defensive backs) at Rutgers (1998-99)
Graduate assistant (quarterbacks) at Michigan (2000-01)
Quarterbacks coach at Central Michigan (2002-03)
Offensive quality control/wide receivers with Chicago Bears (2004-06)
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Central Michigan (2007-09)
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Cincinnati (2010-12)
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Tennessee (2013-14)
Quarterbacks coach with Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2015-18)
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Boston College (2019)
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Northwestern (2020-23)
Interim offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Utah (2024)
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at UMass (2025)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
College: Played quarterback at Williams College (Mass.)
Hank Poteat – Cornerbacks Coach
A veteran coach of 15 years in college who also won a Super Bowl ring during his 10-year NFL career, Hank Poteat will coach the cornerbacks for the Spartan defense.
"Hank has consistently developed all-conference players and sent players to the NFL throughout his entire career," said Fitzgerald. "He won a Super Bowl ring and knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level. I'm looking forward to him bringing that mindset to our defense on a daily basis."
Poteat arrives in East Lansing after spending the previous three seasons (2023-25) as the cornerbacks coach at Iowa State. During the 2024 season, Jontez Williams led the team with four interceptions and earned second-team All-Big 12 honors as the Cyclones ranked No. 1 in the FBS in pass defense, allowing just 165.6 yards per game.
In Poteat's first year in Ames, the Cyclones ranked second in the Big 12 and No. 10 in the FBS with 16 interceptions. He mentored T.J. Tampa, who earned first-team All-Big 12 and third-team All-America accolades while being named a semifinalist for the Thorpe and Bednarik Awards; Tampa was selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens and is currently in his second season in the NFL.
Poteat has previous Big Ten experience, coaching cornerbacks at Wisconsin for two seasons (2021-22). The Badgers were second in the Big Ten and No. 7 nationally in interceptions with 17 in 2022, and in 2021, both of UW's starting cornerbacks – Faion Hicks and Caesar Williams – picked up All-Big Ten recognition. Hicks was selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Broncos.
Prior to his time at Wisconsin, Poteat spent four successful seasons (2017-20) with the cornerbacks at Toledo. He tutored Ka'dar Hollman, who led the MAC with 12 pass break-ups as a senior in 2018 and was selected in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Packers; Hollman went on to play four seasons in NFL. Toledo's pass defense was one of the best in the nation during its 2017 MAC Championship season, ranking No. 2 in the MAC and 22nd in the FBS in pass efficiency defense.
Poteat coached three All-MAC cornerbacks in just two seasons (2015-16) at Kent State, including two first-team selections. In 2016, Najee Murray ranked 11th in the country with 16 passes defended, while in 2015, Demetrius Monday recorded six interceptions.
Poteat returned to his alma mater at Pittsburgh as a graduate assistant (2013-14) after landing his first coaching position with the cornerbacks at Kentucky Christian (2011-12).
Poteat was a standout player at Pittsburgh during his collegiate career from 1996-99, twice earning first-team All-BIG EAST honors as a cornerback while leading the team in interceptions as a junior (6) and senior (3). A two-time captain, Poteat still holds school records for most kick return yards (2,010) and combined kick return yards (2,509).
He was invited to the Senior Bowl and selected in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Steelers. A 10-year NFL veteran, spending time with the Steelers, Buccaneers, Patriots, Jets and Browns, Poteat won a Super Bowl ring with the Patriots during the 2004 season. He graduated from Pittsburgh with a degree in social sciences in 2011.
Poteat and his wife, Jasmine, have two daughters, Ariana and Sierra, and a son, Tre.
THE POTEAT FILE
PREVIOUS COLLEGIATE COACHING EXPERIENCE:
Cornerbacks coach at Kentucky Christian (2011-12)
Graduate assistant at Pittsburgh (2013-14)
Cornerbacks coach at Kent State (2015-16)
Cornerbacks coach at Toledo (2017-20)
Cornerbacks coach at Wisconsin (2021-22)
Cornerbacks coach at Iowa State (2023-25)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
College: Four-year letterwinner as a cornerback and kick returner at Pittsburgh (1996-99)
Professional: Played 10 seasons in the NFL with Pittsburgh (2000-02), Tampa Bay (2003), New England (2004-06), New York Jets (2006-08) and Cleveland (2009).
Devon Spalding – Running Backs Coach
Devon Spalding arrives in East Lansing as the program's running backs coach after spending the previous three seasons (2023-25) in the same position at Wisconsin.
"Devon has already mentored some excellent running backs in his young coaching career," said Fitzgerald. "He has shown he can relate with players and he also understands the recruiting landscape in the Midwest. I'm looking forward to Devon continuing his growth as a coach on our staff."
Spalding coached two running backs who earned All-Big Ten honors at UW, including Braelon Allen, a second-team selection in 2023 who ranked third in the conference with 984 rushing yards while averaging a Big Ten-best 5.44 yards per carry. He also tied his career high with 12 rushing touchdowns. Allen, who finished his Badger career with 3,494 rushing yards, ninth-most in program history, was a fourth-round NFL Draft pick by the Jets and has played the last two seasons in the NFL.
In 2024, Tawee Walker was honorable mention All-Big Ten for the Badgers after leading the team with 864 yards and 10 touchdowns.
At the onset of Spalding's first season in Madison, he was named to the 247Sports "30 Under 30" List for 2023 as one of college football's rising stars in the profession.
Prior to coaching in the Big Ten at Wisconsin, Spalding spent three years (2020-22) at Youngstown State. During his time at YSU, Spalding coached record-breaking running back Jaleel McLaughlin, who was named the MVFC Offensive Player of the Year in 2022 after rushing for 1,588 yards. Between two seasons at Division II Notre Dame College and two seasons at Youngstown State, McLaughlin set the NCAA all-division career rushing record with 8,166 career yards.
In the spring season of 2021, McLaughlin was a second-team All-MVFC pick as he rushed for 634 yards in the final five games. He improved to first-team honors in the fall after gaining 1,139 yards and 12 TDs in just 10 games, including six 100-yards games and a 242-yard performance in the season opener.
Spalding began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Cincinnati in 2019 as the Bearcats went 11-3 and claimed a victory in the Birmingham Bowl.
Spalding played running back and wide receiver at Central Michigan from 2014-18. During the 2016 season, he started 10 games at running back and rushed for 765 yards and six TDs. As a senior in 2018, he earned the team's Dustin Preston Leadership Award. Overall, he rushed for 1,457 yards and scored 13 touchdowns in 41 career games.
The Canton, Michigan, native was an all-state running back at John Glenn High School and ran for 1,761 yards and a school-record 27 touchdowns as a senior in 2013. He rushed for 491 yards against Livonia Churchill during his senior campaign, the third-highest single-game total in MHSAA history.
THE SPALDING FILE
PREVIOUS COACHING EXPERIENCE:
Graduate assistant at Cincinnati (2019)
Running backs coach at Youngstown State (2020-22)
Running backs coach at Wisconsin (2023-25)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
College: Played five seasons (2014-18) and was a three-year letterwinner (2014, 2016, 2018) as a wide receiver and running back at Central Michigan.
Nick Tabacca – Offensive Line Coach
Nick Tabacca, who has 20 years of offensive line coaching experience, has been named Michigan State's offensive line coach.
Tabacca most recently spent 11 seasons (2014-24) coaching the o-line at Wake Forest, helping send several players to the NFL throughout his tenue in Winston-Salem. Wake Forest played in a school-record seven consecutive bowl games from 2016-22 and rewrote the offensive record book under former head coach Dave Clawson.
Tabacca also worked with current Michigan State safeties coach James Adams for three seasons (2022-24) at Wake.
"Nick Tabacca is an established coach who has consistently demonstrated the ability to get the most out of his players and build a cohesive and effective offensive line," said Fitzgerald. "He cultivated one of the best o-lines in the ACC during his time at Wake Forest and has coached numerous players who have gone on to the NFL."
Eight Demon Deacon offensive linemen, including four NFL Draft picks, played in the NFL under Tabacca's tutelage. In addition, Tabacca coached Matt Gulbin, who transferred to Michigan State for the 2025 season and was named a team captain, for four seasons at Wake Forest (2021-24); Gulbin was graded as the No. 2 center in the FBS by Pro Football Focus for the 2025 season and is an NFL Draft prospect in 2026.
After starting 46 games, Michael Jurgens was selected in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft by Minnesota and he has spent the past two seasons in the NFL with the Vikings. Jurgens began his career at center but moved to guard his senior year, where he was the highest-graded Power-5 interior lineman according to PFF (83.7) in 2023.
Several Demon Deacons coached by Tabacca earned All-ACC honors, including Zach Tom (first team in 2021) and Sean Maginn (second team in 2022 and third team in 2021). Tom, who also earned second-team All-America honors, was chosen in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by Green Bay and has started the past four years at tackle for the Packers.
Prior to coaching at Wake Forest, Tabacca spent two years as the offensive line coach at his alma mater, Ball State, from 2012-13. During his two seasons at Ball State, the Cardinals went 19-7 and earned back-to-back bowl bids while his players garnered All-MAC honors four times. In 2012, Tabacca was named one of the finalists for the FootballScoop Offensive Line Coach of the Year.
He also has full-time coaching experience at Butler (co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach in 2011; offensive line coach in 2010) and Defiance College (offensive coordinator/offensive line from 2008-09; offensive line in 2007). Five of his linemen picked up all-conference recognition during his time at Butler, and seven o-linemen were all-league selections during his time at Defiance.
Tabacca began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Ball State (2005-06) following his four-year playing career (2001-04) for the Cardinals. He was named a captain his senior year and was a two-time All-MAC Academic selection while starting in 33 games his final three seasons.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Tabacca and wife Alyssa have five children: Sophia, Lucas, Lily, Grace and William.
THE TABACCA FILE
PREVIOUS COACHING EXPERIENCE:
Graduate assistant at Ball State (2005-06)
Offensive line coach at Defiance (2007)
Offensive coordinator/offensive line coach at Defiance (2008-09)
Offensive line at Butler (2010)
Co-offensive coordinator/offensive line coach at Butler (2011)
Offensive line coach at Ball State (2012-13)
Offensive line coach at Wake Forest (2014-24)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
College: Four-year letterman as an offensive lineman at Ball State (2001-04)
Returning coaching hire snapshot bios:
Courtney Hawkins – Wide Receivers Coach
Former Spartan great and nine-year NFL veteran Courtney Hawkins, who has been Michigan State's wide receivers coach since 2020, will enter his seventh season on the Spartan coaching staff in 2026. Three wide receivers he has coached at MSU are currently playing in the NFL (Jayden Reed, Packers; Jalen Nailor, Vikings; Keon Coleman, Bills).
"Courtney Hawkins is a true Spartan who bleeds Green and White," said Fitzgerald. "His resume of coaching and producing wide receivers speaks for itself. He also has positive relationships with coaches from around the state of Michigan and the entire Midwest. We're excited to have Courtney on staff to continue the proud tradition of great Spartan wide receivers."
Hawkins came to Michigan State in February 2020 after serving as the head football coach and athletic director at his alma mater, Beecher High School, in Flint, Michigan, from 2006 to 2020. A four-year letterwinner at Michigan State (1988-91) under Coach George Perles, Hawkins was a two-time first-team All-Big Ten honoree at wide receiver before playing nine seasons in the NFL.
Complete bio available at msuspartans.com: https://msuspartans.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/courtney-hawkins/1690
Brian Wozniak – Tight Ends Coach
Brian Wozniak, who has 11 years of collegiate coaching experience, will be entering his third season on staff at Michigan State after arriving with former head coach Jonathan Smith from Oregon State in December 2023.
"Brian is a proven recruiter and has done a great job of developing tight ends throughout his career," said Fitzgerald. "He also has Big Ten roots and understands what it takes to win in this conference. He has the ability to connect with players so they can make a positive impact on and off the field."
Wozniak helped mentor Spartan tight ends Jack Velling and Michael Masunas the past two years in East Lansing. Velling earned third-team All-Big Ten honors as a senior in 2025 with 36 catches for 359 yards and three touchdowns, while Masunas also had three TDs to go along with career highs in receptions (19) and receiving yards (232).
Wozniak coached Velling all four years of his collegiate career (2022-23 at Oregon State; 2024-25 at MSU) as the Seattle native and two-time Mackey Award Watch List member accumulated 117 catches for 1,489 yards and 15 TDs in 47 games.
Wozniak began his coaching career as an offensive graduate coach at Oregon State under Smith for three years (2015-17) and was promoted to tight ends coach in 2018, a role he served in Corvallis until his arrival to Michigan State. He coached two NFL Draft picks (Luke Musgrave, Teagan Quitoriano) during his time at OSU.
A native of Loveland, Ohio, Wozniak was a four-year letterwinner as a tight end at Wisconsin (2010-13), helping the Badgers to a bowl game all four years he lettered in Madison, including the Rose Bowl in three straight seasons (2010-12).
Complete bio available at msuspartans.com: https://msuspartans.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/brian-wozniak/1692
Players Mentioned
A New Era | Pat Fitzgerald's First Day in East Lansing
Wednesday, December 03
Pat Fitzgerald | Football Press Conference | Dec. 2nd, 2025
Tuesday, December 02
Jonathan Smith Postgame Comments | Maryland
Saturday, November 29
Jonathan Smith | Football Press Conference | Nov. 24 2025
Monday, November 24