Mark Dantonio steps down from MSU

[coach]

That's a very valid point. It really illustrates to me that Dantonio was under heavy pressure to leave because of this court issue, or he just said the **** with it. Either way, he took their 4mm back in January for that retention bonus, and it will be interesting to see if they try to get it back if he's found to have violated Ncaa rules. Often coaches have clauses that can allow under circumstance to claw back money. That's a lot of dough to someone who puts you in that spot. The kids that really are left holding the bag are the Msu recruits. It will be awful hard with this timing for a coach who would take that job to get kids this year. They just have to hope the recruits Dantonio inked want to stay.

[red_n_black_attack]

I don't know, Fickell has 2 winning seasons at UC in a non-power 5 conference, and all of a sudden he's the guy for MSU???

Money talks, but I think he'd struggle there and have a tough time, as well as shortened career as a HC at this level. If Dantonio couldn't hack it there, not sure how Fickell would.

Dantonio won 3 Big Ten titles and took Sparty to CFP until Urban Meyer made conference unbalanced. Fickell is capable of doing that because he can relate to today's recruits.

I don't think he goes due to timing. If it was December, he might. The day before signing best class in UC history, plus best G5 class, I don't think he leaves the people at this time.

[Binturong05]

The Ohio State crowd seems to think if Fick heads up north to MSU that Freeman becomes UC's next head coach. Their primary concern is that Fick poaches Coombs. An alternate theory is a vacancy in Clifton is an opening to be filled by Coombs.

[Cliftonite]

I don't know, Fickell has 2 winning seasons at UC in a non-power 5 conference, and all of a sudden he's the guy for MSU???

Money talks, but I think he'd struggle there and have a tough time, as well as shortened career as a HC at this level. If Dantonio couldn't hack it there, not sure how Fickell would.

[red_n_black_attack]

Chad Brendel just tweeted that UC received a commit from a 4-star WR... I mean, that's not terrible news for the Fickell speculation, right?

Sweeeeet! Hope this means Luke is happy here 😁


https://bearcatnews.com/forum/footba...e-il-wr-commit

[Rufus]

I may just be speculating but in my mind uprooting several children to move out of state would be a major consideration for LF or any young coach. At his age the more prestigious jobs will still come available when the kids are older. specially if he continues to have success.

[GoBearcats31]

Chad Brendel just tweeted that UC received a commit from a 4-star WR... I mean, that's not terrible news for the Fickell speculation, right?

[coach]

I seriously doubt Msu will look to spend the money they were paying Dantonio with the Nassar settlement hit. That was a monster financial burden. Also, just shelled out 4mm to Dantonio for a 1/15 retention clause which i'm sure they will try fruitlessly to pursue. However, Ncaa infractions might help them.

[bearcatjd]

Glad to see Dantonio goI I believe CLF stays. At least I certainly hope so.

[bba_1979]

I can't see CLF going for several reasons: 1) East Lansing is nothing in comparison to Cincinnati as far as the family life (read that as Catholic community) that CLF has already stated he enjoys here. 2) Like Flying Jalapeno stated, that's a pretty toxic atmosphere up there right now. A multi-year superfund cleanup is in order. 3) It's not OSU.

I heard new AD John Cunningham on the Coach Brannen show last night. Dan Hoard asked him about CLF contract situation. Cunningham said (paraphrasing) they are having conversations.

I just truly believe CLF is in a happy place right now. He likes the school and city. Has a very good nucleus returning. A very good incoming recruiting class.

Of course, MSU could drop major $$$ in front of him and I wouldn't blame him a bit for taking care of his family in a situation like like. Would suck for us, but life goes on.

[coach]

Nah, i'm going to say he passes. My guess is they talk to him, but i think folks forget Dantonio spent 5 years as an assistant at Msu. Those Michigan jobs/hires like folks they are familiar with. I would not doubt he's offered it, but i think he will be one of several talked to. Most folks think things went off the rails when Narduzzi left. I'm betting unless he doesn't want to talk to them, he gets a serious look see. If Fick, were to go, Marcus Freeman should be their first choice, but i don't think Fick will go.

[BearKatz]

Goodbye Luke Fickell......

[Lobot]

Mike Tressel will be the interim head coach at MSU.

[Flying Jalapeno]

I think Fickell avoids this opening. Dantonio, IMO, is stepping down because he became a liability with all the Auston Robertson flack. Not sure Fickell wants any part of it. https://www.michigandaily.com/sectio...ces-retirement

[Lobot]

Dantonio has resigned at Michigan State. One day before signing day and two hours after he was cited as having broken NCAA rules in a legal proceeding. He will collect his entire 4.3M annual salary based on a retention date of Jan. 16 per Nicole Auerbach at the Athletic.

Detroit Free Press is reporting that Luke Fickell is the top candidate according to sources.

Personally, I don’t think Fickell will go anywhere at this time. Timing is all wrong. If MSU names an interim for this year, he might entertain the idea over the off season. Right now he’s out-recruiting MSU in the region and doesn’t have to play tOSU every year. I do think this will get UC Admin to speed up his extension.