MSU safeties coach James Adams excited for opportunity with new roster and staff

Michigan State safeties coach James Adams is among the staff members retained by head coach Pat Fitzgerald following the offseason transition in East Lansing.

Adams, who coached the same position last season under former head coach Jonathan Smith, said the decision to stay was simple. With his family already settled and a strong sense of continuity within the program, there was little to weigh.

“We had an opportunity to come here last year. East Lansing is home for us,” Adams said. “We bought a home, my kids are in school here, and my wife is settling in. So being back with Coach Fitz and this staff has been amazing. We’ve got returners in the secondary and at the second level in the linebacker room. Just being around those guys and seeing how they’ve embraced the new guys that came in is great.”

Adams’ familiarity with Fitzgerald prior to arriving at Michigan State was limited, but the respect had long been there. A brief interaction years ago – paired with strong endorsements from mentors in the profession – helped shape his view during the transition.