Michigan State's New Coach Aims to Revive Football Glory

Nick Sheridan hopes to restore the Spartans' offense to past success.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:10pm

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Michigan State has hired Nick Sheridan as its new football coach, tasked with reviving the program's fortunes after several down seasons. Sheridan, who played for the Spartans in the early 2000s, is looking to recapture the team's past glory by rebuilding the offense around standout players from that era.

Why it matters

Michigan State has struggled on the field in recent years, failing to live up to its reputation as a consistent contender in the Big Ten. Sheridan's hiring represents an effort to reconnect the team with its successful past and energize the fan base through a return to a high-powered offensive attack.

The details

Sheridan, who was the offensive coordinator at a nearby Mid-American Conference school, has pledged to model the Spartans' new offense after the teams of the early 2000s that featured stars like Bill Burke, Chris Baker, and Plaxico Burress. He believes that reestablishing that style of play will help Michigan State regain its status as a football powerhouse in the region.

  • Sheridan was hired as Michigan State's new head coach in March 2026.
  • The Spartans began spring practices on March 31, 2026 under Sheridan's direction.

The players

Nick Sheridan

The new head football coach at Michigan State University, tasked with reviving the program's fortunes after several down seasons.

Bill Burke

A standout quarterback for Michigan State in the early 2000s, part of the team's successful offensive attack that Sheridan hopes to emulate.

Chris Baker

A wide receiver for Michigan State in the early 2000s, another key offensive player from the team's past glory that Sheridan wants to build around.

Plaxico Burress

A star wide receiver for Michigan State in the late 1990s, part of the offensive talent that Sheridan hopes to channel in rebuilding the Spartans' attack.

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What they’re saying

“Bill Burke, Chris Baker, Plaxico Burress, Gary Scott, Amp Campbell, Sorie Kanu. I mean, I remember all these guys. These were really my heroes, these guys were giants to me.”

— Nick Sheridan, Michigan State Head Football Coach

What’s next

Sheridan and the Spartans will continue spring practices throughout April and May as they work to install his new offensive system ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Sheridan's hiring represents Michigan State's effort to reconnect with its successful past and rebuild the football program around an exciting, high-powered offense that can energize the fan base and restore the team's status as a regional power.