Michigan State defensive line coach Ron Burton spurns Indiana, staying with the Spartans

Mel Tucker holds on to Mark Dantonion’s former defensive line coach

It turns out Mel Tucker will be keeping at least one coach from Mark Dantonio’s staff.

After it was originally reported that no Dantonio staff members would be retained by Tucker, Ron Burton–who it was reported was leaving Michigan State for the defensive line job at Indiana–is staying on staff with Tucker at Michigan State according to a source close to Indiana football.

The Indy Star’s Zach Osterman confirmed the news today on Twitter.

Speculation began when Blaine J Green, a wide receiver recruit out of Texas, tweeted today that he was offered by Michigan State. In the tweet he tagged Mel Tucker and “@CoachRobBurton.” Well, that Twitter handle belongs to a woman named Robyn Burton who coaches women’s basketball. Ron Burton’s Twitter handle is @CoachRonBurton (notice the slight difference and how close the b and n keys are on a keyboard). In a message to Spartans Wire Green said that he intended to tag Ron Burton who played a large role in his recruitment, but couldn’t confirm if Burton was still on staff at MSU.

https://twitter.com/blainejgreen/status/1228468210535739392

Green later fixed his tweet to tag Ron Burton. His brother Bryson was also offered by Michigan State and tagged Ron Burton as well.

There is no word as to what role Burton will fill in Tucker’s staff.

According to the source Burton signed a temporary memorandum with Indiana, but backed out to return to East Lansing.

Burton joined Mark Dantonio’s Michigan State staff via Air Force in 2013. Burton joined Dantonio’s MSU staff via Air Force for the 2013 season. After spending his first four seasons at MSU coaching the entire defensive line, Burton shifted his focus to the defensive tackles in 2017. Under Burton’s watch the Michigan State defensive line was very successful. Michigan State led the Big Ten in rushing defense in both 2017 and 2018. Burton had defensive linemen earn 13 All-Big Ten honors during his career at MSU, including 2013 Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year Shilique Calhoun. Four Spartan defensive lineman that Burton coaches have played in the NFL and Malik McDowell was drafted in 2017, but never played a game in the NFL due to an injury suffered after the draft.

Burton coached linebackers at Indiana from 1997-2001.

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