Confidence and Execution: MSU offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren’s focus points for the offense

Michigan State's offense has shown flashes of positive stretches and some strong moments in 2025, but also an inability to be consistent and finish games. The Spartans have started games well — scoring opening-drive touchdowns in five of six games this season — but have not closed out a lot of games with the same momentum the Spartans bring in opening, scripted drives.

For MSU offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren, the challenge is simplifying the offensive scheme without losing creativity and finding a way to get all 11 players executing at a high level. 

In his second season with the Spartans under head coach Jonathan Smith, Lindgren is taking accountability for his role in the team's lackluster performance as of now. In a league and college football landscape where performance and preparation are heavily scrutinized, and the fans are growing restless, Lindgren is well aware that MSU has to find ways to improve.

“The pressure at this level comes with the job, comes with the territory, it’s part of it,” Lindgren said on Tuesday. “You've got people in the building that you trust and you’ve worked with before when you get to times of adversity. You've just got to keep going back to work and trust that those around you are going to take care of their business and get their job done at a high level.”

Lindgren’s confidence and level of trust in his staff stems from the experiences he has had with them, going on eight years working closely with Smith and many other current assistant coaches dating back to their time together at Oregon State. Lindgren claims that this substantial time working by Smith’s side gives him the trust that things are going to improve for Michigan State football.  

As for his own offensive strategy, Lindgren has been working with his offense to prepare a plan for the Spartans that will amplify their chances at success and keep their spirits high and their trust in the game plan secure, coming off of three losses in a row.

Lindgren and the Spartans have a tough road task ahead against No. 3-ranked and undefeated Indiana in Bloomington on Saturday (3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Peacock)

“We’ve got our process here, and as coaches,” Lindgren said. “I told the offense, ‘I’m going to do all I can to put together an awesome plan this week to put you guys in the best position to go make plays and go win a game on Saturday.’ I think that’s what you can do, and then you can coach the heck out of them to the best of your ability to try to breed confidence in the plan.”