Michigan State Welcomes Back Bullough as Linebackers Coach

Former Spartans captain returns to East Lansing to help revive storied program

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:34am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a Michigan State football practice, with players and coaches represented as overlapping geometric shapes in muted tones, conveying the energy and intensity of the team's efforts to revive the program.Bullough's return to Michigan State's sidelines evokes the program's storied past and the challenge of rebuilding its future.East Lansing Today

East Lansing — At 34 years old, former Michigan State linebacker Max Bullough looks like he could still suit up and take the field. Instead, the Traverse City native is back in East Lansing as the Spartans' new linebackers coach, bringing a deep family legacy and intense passion for the program he once captained.

Why it matters

Bullough's hire represents a return to the Spartans' glory days under former coach Mark Dantonio, who is now a more frequent presence around the program. Bullough's family history and connection to the school's tradition are seen as crucial cultural building blocks for a staff trying to reestablish the principles that made Michigan State a Big Ten power.

The details

Bullough, who captained the 2013 Spartans team that won a Big Ten title and earned a Rose Bowl berth, was brought in on a two-year, $750,000-per-year contract. As a co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, he'll work under defensive coordinator Joe Rossi, freeing up Rossi to observe the entire defense. Bullough's coaching experience, including stops at Notre Dame and Alabama, has impressed both coaches and players.

  • Bullough was hired as an assistant coach in February 2026.
  • He last set foot on Michigan State's campus in 2015 as an honorary captain.

The players

Max Bullough

A 34-year-old former two-time captain of the Michigan State football team, where he played linebacker from 2010-2013. He is now the Spartans' new linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator.

Hank Bullough

Max Bullough's grandfather, who once patrolled the sidelines for Michigan State as an assistant coach under Duffy Daugherty.

Shane Bullough

Max Bullough's father, who captained a Michigan State team under former head coach George Perles.

Riley Bullough

Max Bullough's brother, who also played linebacker for Michigan State under former head coach Mark Dantonio.

Byron Bullough

Max Bullough's brother, who also played for Michigan State under former head coach Mark Dantonio.

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What they’re saying

“He's brought energy, brought enthusiasm. He brings a lineage. He understands what it means to be a Spartan, not only him but his family. So it's been awesome.”

— Joe Rossi, Defensive Coordinator

“If you guys notice, any of the drills he's like right behind us, almost mirroring everything that we do. Very passionate. I mean, just a great ball-knower.”

— Jordan Hall, Linebacker

What’s next

Bullough will look to help the Spartans improve on their 4-8 record from a year ago, with the goal of returning the program to the heights it reached during his playing days.

The takeaway

Bullough's homecoming represents a symbolic return to the Dantonio era that saw Michigan State become a Big Ten power. His family's deep roots in the program and his own playing experience make him a natural fit to help rebuild the Spartans' culture and competitiveness.