What's Happening?
Pat Fitzgerald, the new head coach at Michigan State, has made a strategic move by hiring LeVar Woods, the former special teams coordinator from Iowa. Woods, who has been with Iowa since 2008, played a significant
role in elevating the Hawkeyes' special teams to national prominence. Under his leadership, Iowa's special teams have consistently ranked at the top in terms of Expected Points Added (EPA) since 2016. This hire is seen as a significant step for Fitzgerald, who aims to replicate Iowa's success at Michigan State. Woods will also serve as the assistant head coach, bringing his expertise and experience to the Spartans' program.
Why It's Important?
The hiring of LeVar Woods is crucial for Michigan State as it seeks to improve its special teams performance, which has lagged behind in the Big Ten. Woods' track record at Iowa demonstrates his ability to develop a top-tier special teams unit, which could provide Michigan State with a competitive edge. Special teams play a pivotal role in football, often influencing the outcome of games through field position and scoring opportunities. By bringing in Woods, Michigan State hopes to enhance its overall team performance and competitiveness within the conference. This move also signals Fitzgerald's commitment to building a well-rounded program that excels in all facets of the game.
What's Next?
With Woods on board, Michigan State will likely focus on recruiting and developing athletes who can excel in special teams roles. The program may also implement new strategies and training regimens to improve its special teams' effectiveness. As the Spartans prepare for the upcoming season, fans and analysts will be watching to see how quickly Woods can make an impact. The success of this hire will be measured by improvements in Michigan State's special teams rankings and their ability to influence game outcomes positively.
