Nick Sheridan Aims to Revive Michigan State Football's Offense

New offensive coordinator looks to bring fast-paced, attacking style to Spartans

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:09am

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Nick Sheridan, Michigan State's new offensive coordinator, is determined to revive the Spartans' offense and return the program to its winning ways. Sheridan, who grew up watching MSU's stars of the 1990s, is excited to work under head coach Pat Fitzgerald and implement an aggressive, up-tempo offensive system.

Why it matters

Michigan State has struggled in recent years, missing a bowl game in each of the past five seasons and posting a 31-37 overall record since Mark Dantonio's retirement. Sheridan's arrival as offensive coordinator represents a fresh start and a chance to reignite the Spartans' offense, which ranked 97th nationally in total offense last season.

The details

Sheridan, a 2006 Saline High graduate, has coaching experience at Washington, Alabama, and Indiana, where he served as offensive coordinator. He plans to install an 'attacking, answer-based offense' that features the team's playmakers and emphasizes being 'Fundamentally sound, Attacking, Smart and Tough.' Sophomore quarterback Alessio Milivojevic is already impressed with Sheridan's energy and teaching style.

  • Sheridan joined the Michigan State staff in March 2026.
  • The Spartans are currently in the midst of spring practice.

The players

Nick Sheridan

Michigan State's new offensive coordinator, who grew up watching the Spartans' stars of the 1990s and is now looking to revive the program's offense.

Pat Fitzgerald

The head coach of Michigan State, who hired Sheridan and is impressed by his passion for the game and ability to build relationships with players.

Alessio Milivojevic

Michigan State's sophomore quarterback, who is learning from Sheridan and appreciates the new coordinator's energy and teaching style.

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What they’re saying

“When I was growing up, in college and after college, I looked up to Pat Fitzgerald. That was really just someone that I tried to emulate, someone I wanted to be like. This was a very easy decision for me, one I'm extremely grateful and appreciative of.”

— Nick Sheridan, Offensive Coordinator, Michigan State

“As we went through the interview process, Nick doesn't like football; Nick loves football. He exudes it every day. He's an unbelievable teacher. The way that we've gone about building relationships offensively, it really has been directed by him.”

— Pat Fitzgerald, Head Coach, Michigan State

“Coach Sheridan, it's been good to learn from him. He's got a lot of energy also. He's similar to coach Fitz, he always brings it.”

— Alessio Milivojevic, Sophomore Quarterback, Michigan State

What’s next

As spring practice continues, Sheridan and the Spartans will work to fully install his new offensive system and identify the team's strengths to build around heading into the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Sheridan's arrival as Michigan State's offensive coordinator represents a fresh start for the program, as he looks to bring an aggressive, up-tempo style that can help the Spartans return to winning ways and compete in the Big Ten.