About two weeks ago, it was reported that Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald had hired 27-year-old Winston DeLattiboudere III from the Arizona Cardinals.
The news was welcomed by Michigan State fans everywhere who were hoping for some defensive line improvement after years of having zero pass rush. DeLattiboudere was considered one of the rising stars in the industry, and the fact that Fitzgerald was able to swipe him from the NFL was an alpha move.
It made sense, though. DeLattiboudere played under Joe Rossi at Minnesota, so the opportunity to work with his former coach was too tough to pass up.
There hasn’t been a ton of talk on that front since the news broke on Dec. 15, and that has some wondering if DeLattiboudere was actually hire or if he’s keeping his options open. The Cardinals would probably love for him to return to Arizona in 2026.
With no official word on this move from Michigan State’s official X account like the other coaches who were hired, there’s some doubt in the air.
It could also be the fact that Arizona is still playing football for the next two weeks. Waiting to announce it until the end of the season is probably more respectful to his current employer and I’m sure that’s what DeLattiboudere requested.
Still, some are wondering if this move is actually happening.
Winston DeLattiboudere III declined to address the MSU job
A couple of Cardinals reporters spoke to DeLattiboudere this week about the rumors of him taking the Michigan State job, but he’s been consistent in avoiding the question and telling them that he’s focused on the next game with Arizona.
#AZCardinals DL coach Winston DeLattiboudere III declined to confirm if he was going to take a coaching job at Michigan State as has been reported.
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) December 26, 2025
Said his full attention is on the Cardinals game against the Bengals.
Again, this is probably more of him not providing his guys distractions and showing respect to his current employer that has him on contract, but it’s interesting to hear that he refuses to confirm if he’s taken the Michigan State job or not.
Usually when a coach avoids this question, he’s either still in the negotiation process or he’s planning on taking it but just doesn’t want to take away from his current team.
If he wasn’t taking the job, he would have said that already.
Don’t read too much into this, Spartan fans. Anything can happen, but I’d expect the news to become official the second the Cardinals’ season is over next week.