The same man who left East Lansing in 2014 as an All-American linebacker with “Spartan Pride” tattooed across his biceps walked into Michigan State football’s team meeting room for Tuesday’s media availability — now standing at the front as a coach.
For a program filled with frustration after a 4-8 season, the hiring of Max Bullough in December as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach reignited a fan base desperate for something to believe in. Social media flooded with alumni, fans and former players showing support for bringing the Notre Dame linebackers coach home. It also created an opportunity for a brotherhood of players from MSU’s glory days to reconnect, regardless of how long it had been.
"I'm not the best at communicating with people all the time, like staying in touch. But what I am good at is, if you and I played together and you call me two years after we talked. It's like we never left," Bullough said.
It’s been 12 years since he strolled through East Lansing as a student and nearly 11 since he last visited campus. Now, he stands as a 34-year-old husband to his wife, Bailee, a father of four boys and a coach with seven seasons under his belt. But his love and respect for the university — and his drive to bring it success — remain just as strong as they were when he was in pads under former head coach Mark Dantonio.
Bullough's devotion to the program is in his blood with Spartan lineage running through his veins as a third-generation Spartan with both his father Shane (1983-86) and his grandpa Hank (1952-54) playing for MSU. With both of his brothers, Riley and Byron, playing as well, five athletes have sported the Bullough last name on the back of a green and white jersey.
"I always say, I've been fortunate to be a lot of different places and be around a lot of good people," Bullough said. "To this day one of the things that means the most to me is being a two-time captain at Michigan State."
The man who once captained his teammates has now become a leader of young men, substituting his helmet for a fitted cap with a Block S. Though returning to East Lansing wasn't on his mind at the start of his coaching career — he didn't even want to coach at the college level.
"I thought all I wanted to do was go to the NFL, that's all I thought about. I just got done playing and my mind was in the NFL world," Bullough said regarding the start of his coaching career. "Once I was able to get to Notre Dame and have my own room [position group], which is where the magic comes for me … when you're able to bring your own guys in, watch them come in, watch them develop and see what they turn into in terms of football players and in terms of men."
Among Bullough’s first linebacker group at MSU, senior Jordan Hall is the headliner. In many ways, Hall’s story mirrors his own — a player whose loyalty to the university is unquestionable, having stayed through three losing seasons and three different head coaches in the transfer portal era. The senior has become the face of the Spartans’ defense and is poised to become a two-time captain, just as Bullough once did.
"He's a captivating guy. People are drawn to him," Bullough said regarding Hall. "He's been here for a long time, he's played a lot of ball and played for more than half the season hurt last year. Which is a big deal, and they [teammates] respect him for that."
A decorated linebacker returning to his alma mater to coach the same position he once dominated is storybook, but for Bullough, perhaps the greatest advantage of coming home was the aspect that has always made MSU so special — his family.
"It means a lot to my grandmother who's still alive, Lou Ann Bullough, because we are back in her hometown. She's my only remaining grandparent, so having my kids and my wife and me close to her … it's a pretty cool moment," Bullough said.
