Mike Bajakian reportedly leaving MSU football for Cleveland Browns

New Michigan State football coach Pat Fitzgerald will have to replace quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian, who is leaving for the NFL's Cleveland Browns.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:07pm

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Mike Bajakian, who was hired as the quarterbacks coach for the Michigan State football team in January 2026, is reportedly leaving the Spartans to join the Cleveland Browns as their new quarterbacks coach. Bajakian had signed a two-year contract worth $775,000 with Michigan State, but is now departing after less than a month on the job.

Why it matters

Bajakian's departure is an early challenge for new Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who will now have to find a replacement for a key offensive coaching position just two months into his tenure. The Browns are also making a notable addition to their coaching staff by bringing in an experienced quarterbacks coach in Bajakian.

The details

Bajakian, 51, has extensive experience as a college football coach, having spent 19 seasons at various programs including Northwestern, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Tennessee, Boston College, Utah, and Massachusetts. He also has NFL coaching experience, serving as quarterbacks coach for the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Bajakian was set to earn $375,000 in his first season with the Spartans before the Browns reportedly lured him away.

  • Bajakian was hired by Michigan State on January 2, 2026.
  • Bajakian is now reportedly leaving Michigan State to join the Cleveland Browns.

The players

Mike Bajakian

A 51-year-old football coach who was recently hired as the quarterbacks coach for the Michigan State Spartans, but is now reportedly leaving to take the same position with the Cleveland Browns.

Pat Fitzgerald

The new head coach of the Michigan State Spartans football team, who will now have to find a replacement for Bajakian as quarterbacks coach.

Todd Monken

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, who is bringing Bajakian onto his staff as the team's new quarterbacks coach.

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What they’re saying

“Mike Bajakian's time in East Lansing lasted less than a month.”

— Chris Solari, Author

What’s next

Michigan State will need to quickly find a replacement for Bajakian as quarterbacks coach, as the team prepares for the upcoming 2026 season under new head coach Pat Fitzgerald.

The takeaway

This early coaching change for Michigan State highlights the challenges new head coaches can face in building their staff and program, especially when experienced assistants like Bajakian receive opportunities to join NFL teams.