TOUGHEST MOMENT EVER IN MICHIGAN: Jonathan Smith Shares with Bitter Hearts the Sudden Tragic News Involving Their Family
In what he described as “the most painful day of our lives,” Michigan State head football coach Jonathan Smith took a moment away from football on Wednesday to share devastating personal news with the public.
Fighting back tears at an unannounced press conference in East Lansing, Smith revealed that his family had been struck by an unimaginable tragedy: the sudden passing of their beloved family dog, Diesel — a 10-year-old black Labrador Retriever who had been a constant companion to the Smiths throughout their coaching journey across the country.
“This isn’t about football,” Smith began, his voice heavy with emotion. “This is about family. Today we lost Diesel. He wasn’t just a pet — he was a brother to our kids, a best friend to me and Candice, and truly part of our Spartan family.”
The Smiths had brought Diesel into their lives during Jonathan’s early days as offensive coordinator at Washington, and the dog had moved with them to every stop since — from Pullman to Corvallis, and finally to East Lansing. Players and staff affectionately referred to Diesel as “Coach Pup,” often seen trotting along the sidelines during spring practice or sitting loyally at the entrance of the facility.
“He had this way of calming everyone down,” said defensive lineman Simeon Barrow. “If we had a bad day on the field or were struggling in the locker room, Diesel was there. He just knew.”
According to Smith, Diesel collapsed unexpectedly at their home late Tuesday evening. Despite rushing him to a nearby veterinary hospital, the family was informed that Diesel had suffered from an undetected heart condition. He passed peacefully in Candice’s arms before midnight.
The tragic news sent waves across the Michigan State community. Athletic Director Alan Haller offered his condolences in a heartfelt statement: “We extend our deepest sympathies to the Smith family during this unimaginable time. Diesel wasn’t just part of their home — he was part of ours, too.”
In a particularly touching moment, Smith described how his youngest daughter, Ellie, age six, left Diesel’s favorite chew toy on the front porch “just in case he finds his way back.”
“She doesn’t quite understand it yet,” Smith said, pausing to collect himself. “And truthfully, neither do I.”
The university plans to honor Diesel with a special moment before the Spartans’ season opener this fall. A small tribute will be placed near the team’s locker room — a pawprint plaque reading: “Forever a Spartan. Forever Family.”
Though the coming weeks will be filled with football meetings, recruiting, and preseason preparations, Smith admitted that his heart will be elsewhere.
“This game gives us a platform. But at the end of the day, life is fragile. And love — real, deep love — is what matters most,” Smith concluded, eyes glistening. “Diesel reminded us of that every single day.”
For the Smith family, and for the Spartan community at large, the silence Diesel leaves behind will echo far beyond the field.
