Michigan State Football: Mark Dantonio Returning As Associate Head Coach
Former Michigan State head football coach Mark Dantonio, who led the Spartans to three Big Ten championships during his tenure in East Lansing, will return to the program in an associate role.
The move comes following the suspension of current MSU head coach Mel Tucker, who is facing a Title IX investigation into alleged sexual harassment claims submitted to MSU by activist Brenda Tracy.
Following the suspension of Tucker, Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller announced secondary coach Harlon Barnett will serve as acting head coach of the Spartans until the matter surrounding Tucker is resolved. Additionally, Dantonio has been named "associate head coach" by Haller.
“I called Coach Dantonio this morning, and his response was, ‘Alan, whatever you need, I’m here to help," Haller said at a press conference on Sunday.
"He’s excited to be back and Coach D will probably be back at some point tomorrow. If not tomorrow, definitely on Tuesday. We’re still trying to figure out his role, but he definitely will wear a headset either on the sidelines or up in the booth, and he’ll offer his knowledge of his coaching career. I think he’ll be a tremendous asset for our student athletes and our staff, and the student athletes were fired up when I mentioned that to them.”
Haller also expressed faith in Barnett, a former Spartan student-athlete with 21 years of coaching experience, 15 of which have come in East Lansing.
"Coach Barnett has an incredible connection to our university, and takes incredible pride in being a Spartan," Haller said. "He has established a relationship with student athletes, and is focused on their well-being, first and foremost. Coach Dantonio...is an exceptional football coach, and will be a tremendous resource for Harlon. Both men have a deep love and care for Michigan State football, Spartan athletics, the university and the East Lansing community."
In 13 seasons at Michigan State, Dantonio compiled a record of 114 wins and 57 losses. He became the winningest head coach in program history with his 110th victory on Sept. 21, 2019, surpassing the legendary Duffy Daugherty. Dantonio led the Spartans to three Top 10 finishes in the Associated Press and Coaches polls during his tenure.
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