Signs point to Nightingale being named Michigan State coach

Photo: NTDP

All signs are pointing to Adam Nightingale as the next head coach at Michigan State, according to multiple sources.

Nightingale, 42, is currently the head coach of the U.S. National Under-18 team. He just led the team to the silver medal at the IIHF Under-18 World Championships, which concluded on Monday.

Nightingale is a Michigan State alum. Michigan State fired Danton Cole last month after it was originally believed he would return for a sixth season. Before Cole was fired he had fired assistant coach Joe Exter. Chris Luongo is currently still on the staff, but it’s unclear if he’ll remain in his role with a new head coach.

Before he joined the U.S. NTDP in 2020, Nightingale spent four seasons in the NHL as an assistant coach for the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings. He was the head coach at Shattuck St. Mary’s (14U) for two seasons and he was the Director of Hockey Operations at Michigan State from 2010-14 under former head coach Tom Anastos.

Nightingale played at Michigan State from 2003-05 after he spent his first two collegiate seasons at Lake Superior State.

I’ll have more on this story in Tuesday’s newsletter.