Chaos has taken hold in East Lansing, Michigan, well before the calendar flips to October. This week, the Spartans officially parted ways with coach Mel Tucker, and they face a daunting double-digit underdog status against Iowa this Saturday. During Tucker’s administrative leave, Michigan State suffered two disheartening losses to Power 5 teams, with a combined scoreline of 72-16.
While Tucker’s impending wrongful termination lawsuit casts a shadow, athletic director Alan Haller has an opportunity to expedite the search for his successor. Here are five potential candidates the Spartans may consider:
- Charles Huff (Marshall Head Coach): Huff gained national recognition when his Thundering Herd upset No. 8-ranked Notre Dame last season. He boasts a 19-10 record at Marshall and has prior ties to Nick Saban, having served as Alabama’s running backs coach from 2019-20. At just 40 years old, Huff is considered an emerging coaching talent likely to secure a Power 5 position soon.
- Sean Lewis (Colorado Offensive Coordinator): A former head coach at Kent State, Lewis, at 37, has drawn attention while running Deion Sanders’ offense at Colorado. While Michigan State has historically favored defensive-minded coaches, Lewis brings recruiting prowess, particularly in navigating the transfer portal, crucial for a potential quick turnaround.
- Lance Leipold (Kansas Head Coach): Leipold, with a remarkable record of six Division III national titles at Wisconsin-Whitewater, has earned accolades, including two MAC Coach of the Year awards at Buffalo. Although the 59-year-old is currently with Kansas and facing a buyout of over $12 million, he has orchestrated a noteworthy turnaround, making him an intriguing option.
- Mike Tressel (Wisconsin Defensive Coordinator): Tressel’s long-standing connection to MSU could be appealing, offering continuity with the program’s history. He served on the Spartans’ defensive staff for 14 years, including a stint as interim head coach, before departing for Cincinnati in 2021 and later Wisconsin.
- Mike Elko (Duke Head Coach): Elko’s reputation is on the rise, marked by remarkable success at Duke, where he earned ACC Coach of the Year honors in 2022. Duke’s resurgence, with a 13-4 record under Elko, is a testament to his ability to navigate the transfer portal effectively. Michigan State could face fierce competition for the 46-year-old’s services, given Duke’s upward trajectory.
The Spartans have a pool of potential candidates to evaluate, including Jonathan Smith from Oregon State and Jake Dickert from Washington State, both overseeing programs facing an uncertain future in the Pac-12. Notably, Kansas State’s Chris Klieman has ruled himself out as a candidate for the Michigan State job, further adding intrigue to the coaching search.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Euro Currents journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
