What's Happening?
Mike Bajakian, who was recently appointed as the quarterbacks coach for Michigan State University (MSU) football, is reportedly leaving the position to join the Cleveland Browns as their quarterbacks coach. Bajakian's tenure at MSU was notably brief, lasting less than a month. He was hired by MSU's new head coach, Pat Fitzgerald, on January 2, 2026, after serving as the offensive coordinator at the University of Massachusetts. Bajakian's contract with MSU was a two-year deal worth $775,000, with $375,000 allocated for the current season. His departure marks the first staff change for Fitzgerald, who took over as head coach two months ago. Bajakian has a long history in both college and professional football, having previously worked with the Chicago
Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL, and various college teams including Northwestern, Central Michigan, and Tennessee.
Why It's Important?
Bajakian's move to the Cleveland Browns is significant for both MSU and the Browns. For MSU, it represents an early challenge for new head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who must now find a replacement for a key coaching position shortly after his own appointment. This could impact the team's preparation and performance in the upcoming season. For the Cleveland Browns, acquiring Bajakian brings an experienced coach with a diverse background in both college and professional football, potentially strengthening their coaching staff and quarterback development. Bajakian's previous experience with Browns' head coach Todd Monken during their time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could facilitate a smooth transition and enhance the team's offensive strategies.
What's Next?
MSU will need to quickly identify and hire a new quarterbacks coach to fill the vacancy left by Bajakian's departure. This process will be crucial for maintaining team morale and ensuring continuity in their coaching strategy. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns will integrate Bajakian into their coaching staff, where he will begin working with the team's quarterbacks. His familiarity with head coach Todd Monken's system from their previous collaboration may expedite his adaptation to the Browns' coaching environment. The impact of these changes will likely be observed in the performance of both teams in their respective upcoming seasons.












