Ever since his opening press conference, Michigan State football head coach Pat Fitzgerald has wasted no time forming his staff. He started early on the defensive side of the ball by retaining defensive coordinator Joe Rossi, but one question still surrounded the program: Who would be the offensive coordinator?
That question has now been answered. MSU has hired Alabama co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan as its next offensive coordinator, the athletic department released.
While previous hires have generated excitement, this is one of the most important moves yet. The Spartans’ offense has struggled since their 11-2 season in 2021, a campaign led by a Doak Walker Award-winning running back and multiple NFL wide receivers.
Sheridan is no stranger to the state of Michigan. He was a walk-on quarterback at Michigan from 2006-09 and started four games during his career. His roots run even deeper, as his father, Bill Sheridan, was born and raised in the state and served as a linebackers coach at MSU from 1998-2000.
The Spartans’ new offensive coordinator is also familiar with the Big Ten. The 37-year-old spent five seasons at Indiana, beginning as quarterbacks coach in 2017. After two seasons in that role, he became tight ends coach in 2019 before being promoted to offensive coordinator for the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
Sheridan helped lead a promising 2020 campaign, but an underwhelming 2021 season led to his dismissal. He was later hired as Washington’s tight ends coach by former colleague Kalen DeBoer — the same coach he replaced as Indiana’s offensive coordinator in 2020. After two seasons at Washington, including a national championship appearance, Sheridan followed DeBoer to Alabama, where he has spent the past two seasons as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
Alabama’s offensive production this past season may raise some concern, as the Crimson Tide ranked 67th nationally in total yards. However, fellow offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb handled the majority of play-calling duties. The previous season, when Sheridan served as Alabama’s lone offensive coordinator, the program ranked 22nd in total offense.
Sheridan is best known for his quarterback recruiting and development. He played a key role in bringing current NFL quarterback and former Heisman finalist Michael Penix Jr. to Indiana, where Penix spent the first four seasons of his career. Sheridan also recruited Keelon Russell to Alabama, the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2024 class.
Following Alabama’s 38-3 loss to Indiana in the Rose Bowl on Thursday, MSU now has its offensive coordinator in place and can begin its rebuild by shifting its focus to recruiting as the transfer portal opens.
Support student media!
Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
Discussion
Share and discuss “Alabama’s Nick Sheridan announced as MSU offensive coordinator ” on social media.
