Morris Watts, the longtime offensive coordinator who helped guide Michigan State to two Big Ten championships, has passed away at the age of 88. The university confirmed the news, marking the end of a coaching career that spanned more than five decades across high school, college, and professional football.
Born in Seneca, Missouri, Watts first made his mark on the gridiron as a tailback for the University of Tulsa from 1958 to 1960. After graduating in 1961, he immediately transitioned into coaching—a journey that would take him to 10 different NCAA programs, including stops at Drake, Louisville, Indiana, Kansas, LSU, and Mississippi State. After a brief retirement from 2004 to 2007, Watts returned to the sidelines at Miami (Ohio), Central Michigan, Arkansas, and Texas Southern before hanging up his whistle for good in 2018.
But it was in East Lansing where Watts left his deepest imprint. Serving as Michigan State's offensive coordinator in three separate stints (1986–1990, 1992–1994, and 1999–2002), he spent a collective 12 seasons with the Spartans. Under head coach George Perles, his offenses powered the team to Big Ten titles in 1987 and 1990, along with four consecutive bowl game appearances.
After a stint at LSU from 1995 to 1998, Watts returned to Michigan State to run the offense for Nick Saban's final season in 1999. That year, the Spartans averaged 31.5 points per game—their highest output since Kirk Gibson's senior season in 1978—and finished ranked in the AP Top 10.
When Saban left for LSU, Watts remained on staff under Bobby Williams and earned a nomination for the Broyles Award in 2001, given annually to the nation's top assistant coach. Following Williams' midseason firing in 2002, Watts stepped in as interim head coach, leading the Spartans to a 1–2 record over the final three games.
Watts also made a lasting impact at Central Michigan, where he coached quarterbacks from 2011 to 2016 and served as offensive coordinator from 2014 onward. His legacy as a steady hand, a developer of talent, and a champion in East Lansing will not be forgotten.