Pat Fitzgerald’s decision to hire Max Bullough was one of his best as Michigan State’s head coach, and it’s earned the respect of the Spartan fanbase.
Even fans who were hesitant to buy into Fitzgerald — or who still haven’t — were on board with his decision to bring Bullough back to help Joe Rossi lead the defense. Oh, and having him as a linebackers coach feels like a cheat code. Bullough was one of the best linebackers in college football during his playing days, so you know he’s going to bring that toughness back.
Everyone that Fitzgerald has hired is on the same page in terms of the goal for the program. They all want Michigan State to be back on top of the Big Ten.
Rossi loves this program, Fitzgerald has grown to love it, and Bullough has given his blood, sweat, and tears to Michigan State and has a “Spartan Pride” tattoo across his biceps, so you know he’s also loves this school. When everyone is bought in and on the same page, good things usually happen.
The future of Michigan State football is bright.
But Bullough has bigger goals in mind than just “righting the ship”.
Max Bullough is aiming to make Michigan State football elite
Obviously any time a coach is hired at a new job, that new coach is going to set some big-time goals.
Bullough has aimed higher than just setting some short-term goals. The former Michigan State linebacker appeared on The Drive with Jack Ebling over the weekend and set a long-term goal for the program that Spartan fans are going to love.
He wants Michigan State to be considered one of the top teams in the Big Ten — this doesn’t do his quote justice. Here’s what he said:
Max Bullough on The Drive With Jack Ebling yesterday:
— Moneybagg (@MoneybaggH0E) December 20, 2025
“My goal is that when I die, anytime someone talks about the top teams in the Big Ten, Michigan State comes out of their mouth.” pic.twitter.com/jOxNoXvDmy
That sounds like a guy who bleeds green. Bullough has probably always wanted to return to Michigan State as a coach, and he has the opportunity to grow his resume. I’d be willing to bet that he eventually wants to be the head coach of Michigan State, but no matter what title he holds, he wants to make sure people consider it one of the best teams in the Big Ten.
Right now, when you talk about the best football programs in the Big Ten, schools like Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan, USC, and Penn State get talked about first, but Bullough wants Michigan State squeezed into that list of programs.
Motivation doesn’t seem to be lacking with Max.