Michigan State coaching candidates: Jonathan Smith, Mike Elko, Sean Lewis lead options to replace Mel Tucker

It’s only been 22 months. On Nov. 24, 2021, Michigan State made Mel Tucker one of the highest-paid coaches in the history of the college football. The fully guaranteed 10-year, $95 million contract dropped jaws.

As well as Tucker had done to that point as an accomplished college and NFL assistant, he hadn’t done much to earn $95 million. At that point in his career, Tucker had gone 2-0 against Michigan, gotten the Spartans into the top four of the College Football Playoff Rankings and — four days before the deal — lost to Ohio State by 49 points.

Buyer beware?

Well, the conclusion must be something like that after another jaw-dropper on Monday. Michigan State announced it is in the process of firing Tucker for cause in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal. An Office of Civil Rights hearing is scheduled at Michigan State for Oct. 5 with the school already in the middle of a coaching search.

Michigan State can likely save some money by paying the next coach what he is worth. In his three-plus seasons at MSU, Tucker went 20-14 with a 2-0 start to the 2023 season.

Michigan State coaching candidates

Jonathan Smith, Oregon State coach: The Beavers underrated boss must seriously consider a move to stay in what will soon be the Power Four. With Oregon State’s impending move to the Mountain West, resources are going to decline considerably. Smith, a former Beavers quarterback, built the program from ashes to 10 wins last year. He’s a developmental guy who would have access to much more talent at Michigan State. Consider what he’s done with DJ Uiagalelei already this season. Complicating matters for a lot of names on this list: The season is three weeks old. Could Smith fight off distractions while back channels are worked so he can make the…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/michigan-state-coaching-candidates-jonathan-smith-mike-elko-sean-lewis-lead-options-to-replace-mel-tucker/

Author : Dennis Dodd

Publish date : 2023-09-19 12:54:42

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