Michigan State football coach Mark Dantonio is stepping down after 13 seasons as the head coach of the Spartans. He announced his decision on Twitter on Tuesday.
Dantonio is the winningest coach in Michigan State history after compiling a 114–57 record with three Big Ten championships and a Rose Bowl victory. However, the Spartans have gone 7-6 in the past two seasons, and Dantonio had been under scrutiny after three players in the program pleaded guilty to sexual assault.
In addition, former assistant Curtis Blackwell has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Michigan State and Dantonio. Court filings this week detail allegations by Blackwell that Dantonio committed NCAA rules violations.
To all Spartans: Thank you for everything. You have truly helped my dreams come true. pic.twitter.com/uKkubvp1cW
— Mark Dantonio (@DantonioMark) February 4, 2020
“Today marks one of the most difficult decisions that I have ever made here at Michigan State,” Dantonio said in his statement released on social media. “I would first like to thank our fans, alumni, and our administration; both past and present staff and especially our current and past players and coaches for all their support, hard work and dedication over these past 13 years. You have truly helped make my dreams come true.
“Every February since 2007, I have reset this program in preparation for the next year’s challenges. After much reflection and discussion with my family, I feel that it is now time for change as we enter into a new decade of Michigan State Football.”
Dantonio said his plan is to stay within the Michigan State athletic department “in a role involving special projects, especially transitioning our players, both current and incoming, to their next challenges.”
Dantonio’s decision comes one day before the final college football signing day. Michigan State previously welcomed 19 recruits in December. Dantonio recently received a $4.3 million longevity bonus from the school as part of his current contract that was negotiated in 2016.
The front-runner to replace Dantonio is Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell, according to people with knowledge of the athletic department’s thinking. The people said no deal is in place.
Mike Tressel has been named the team’s acting coach as the school searches for a permanent replacement.
Read more at usatoday.com
