While Michigan is apparently looking to extend the contract of its head coach Jim Harbaugh, its in-state rival Michigan State is going in the other direction.
That’s because the former Ohio State defensive coordinator who elevated the Spartan program to one of the best in the Big Ten, and often the country, announced his intentions to step down on Twitter Tuesday. Mark Dantonio provided a long statement that boils down to spending more time with family.
Dantonio took over the Michigan State program in 2007 and quickly put his stamp on the program. He compiled a program-record 114 wins to 57 losses. He steered the program to three Big Ten titles, a Rose Bowl, a Cotton Bowl and even an appearance in the College Football Playoff in 2015.
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
Now the search for a new coach begins for one of the programs that has provided the most resistance against Ohio State in years past.