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Top Options to Replace Mel Tucker at Michigan State University

Author Anne Erickson
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 19: Head coach Mel Tucker of the Michigan State Spartans looks on before the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Spartan Stadium on November 19, 2022 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Mel Tucker is out. Michigan State University has announced that they’ve begun the process of terminating Mel Tucker’s employment as head football coach. MSU vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics Alan Haller released a statement about the the move this week, stating, “I, with the support of administration and board, have provided Mel Tucker with written notice of intent to terminate his contract for cause. This notification process is required as part of his existing contract. The notice provides Tucker with seven calendar days to respond and present reasons to me and the interim president as to why he should not be terminated for cause.” So, who are some options to replace Mel Tucker at Michigan State?

Options to Replace Mel Tucker: My Favorite Picks

Mark Dantonio, Michigan State associate coach

Mark Dantonio was head coach at MSU during some of their most successful years. He’s currently associate coach to Harlon Bennett in an interim role, with Tucker out. Rumor has it that Dantonio is interested in coming back to the Spartans. He coached during Kirk Cousins’ successful time at the university. He also brought home three Big Ten titles, three New Year’s Six bowl appearances and a College Football Playoff berth during his time at MSU. I would love to see this happen, but who knows.

Mike Tressel, Wisconsin defensive coordinator

This might be the most likely option, even though I would like to see Dantonio back. Tressel was a Michigan State assistant for Mark Dantonio from 2007-20 and was with the program under Tucker, too. He was with Dantonio during many of his most successful years. After MSU, he was at Cincinnati, and now, he’s at Wisconsin. He’s be a great pick.

Brian Hartline, Ohio State offensive coordinator

Hey, even if you don’t like Ohio State, you have to admit that they know football. Brian Hartline is the best recruiter in the league right now, which could be great for getting fresh talent. He doesn’t have much head coach experience though. We could give him that opportunity.

10 Best NFL Teams Going Into the 2023 Season

  • 10. Baltimore Ravens

    I could have put these guys higher, as the Baltimore Ravens are solid in 2023. What they have that a lot of teams – even good teams – don’t have is a fantastic defense. As they say, defense wins games. So, they’re Super Bowl contenders, but I see them struggling against the teams coming up on this list.

  • 9. Detroit Lions

    Okay. You might say I’m a bit biased here, since I’m a Detroiter and a Detroit Lions fan. But, nearly every NFL critic has the Detroit Lions in their top 15 going into the new season. Some even having them winning the Super Bowl. I really think that Dan Campbell, Jared Goff and company have what it takes to make it to the playoffs the year. As for the Super Bowl? I could see them there in the next few years.

  • 8. Seattle Seahawks

    I kind of consider the Seattle Seahawks the surprise team for 2023. They tend to fly under the radar on best-of lists, but they’ve got one of the best offenses in the NFL. Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet are magic.

  • 7. Dallas Cowboys

    The Dallas Cowboys have been flirting with getting to the Super Bowl, and they’re almost there. They have a super tight defense, and now, their offense has solidified. They’ve got new star players in Stephon Gilmore, Brandin Cooks and Mazi Smith, which will certainly help.

  • 6. Buffalo Bills

    The Buffalo Bills were favorites to make it to the Super Bowl last season, but they fell towards the end of the season. Still, they’re one of the strongest teams in the league, and now, they have something to prove.

  • 5. San Francisco 49ers

    I know, I know. How could I put the San Francisco 49ers as low as No. 5 on this list? Many think they’ll go all the way this year. Hey, I think they’re strong and definitely Super Bowl Contenders. But, the teams that follow will be hard to beat. In any case, the 49ers’ coaching staff is fantastic, so that will help.

  • 4. Cincinnati Bengals

    The Cincinnati Bengals have been nickel-and-diming their way to the top. They have strong defenses and offenses, plus recently added left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. to their defense roster. With their A-list roster of players and smart coaching staff, they could go all the way.

  • 3. New York Jets

    I’m ready for the hate mail. (But, please, don’t send it!) Pretty much every NFL critic has the New York Jets in their top 10, or even top five, this season. But, selecting them as No. 3 is stepping out on a limb a bit for me. That said, as a Lions fan, I’ve watched Aaron Rodgers over the years. I know he’s not always easy to take. But, he’s still one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league. Now, he’s with a new team, and that team is stacked. As I see it, the New York Jets could go all the way this season, or they could be a total flop. Flip a coin.

  • 2. Kansas City Chiefs

    While most NFL critics have the Kansas City Chiefs as their No. 1 pick going into the season, I’ve put them at No. 2. That said, they are so, so close to my No. 1 pick, so it could go either way. The Kansas City Chiefs were fantastic in the Super Bowl earlier this year. They took home a definitive win. They also still have a solid, strong roster, including the head of it all, Patrick Mahomes. I really think Mahomes is a modern-day Brady. He’s already proved himself on the field over and over again. Also, he’s still very young, so he could be an elite quarterback for years to come.

  • 1. Philadelphia Eagles

    Honestly, picking the No. 1 best NFL team going into the new season was very difficult. Any team in the top five could have had this slot. But, I’m going with the Philadelphia Eagles. Why? Well, we already know that they’re talented and a strong team. But, so are the other teams on this list. So, what sets them apart? I believe what sets them apart is that they’re hungry. After losing in the Super Bowl, Jalen Hurts are company are hungrier than ever to finish up that unsettled business. I think this is the year they’ll do it.

Anne Erickson's love for music drew her into radio. She started on the airwaves shortly after graduating from MSU. Anne has a passion for rock and metal, and she also fronts the band Upon Wings. Email Anne at erickson@WRIF.com, follow her on Instagram at @EricksonAnne and tweet at her @AnneErickson! Anne covers the Detroit, Philadelphia and Las Vegas markets and beyond.

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