Ohio State Football: Top 3 Candidates to replace Spartans’ Mark Dantonio
Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio announced he will be retiring. Could he be replaced by a former Ohio State football coach?
Mark Dantonio took to Twitter to announce he was retiring. The former Ohio State football team’s assistant led the Spartans to a 114-57 record as head coach including a Rose Bowl victory, three Big Ten Championships and one College Football Playoff birth.
He departs with program records in wins (114), bowl appearances (12) and Big Ten Titles (3).
With the departure of Dantonio, the coaching search is on. Who are possible candidates to become the next Spartan head coach? I have three possible candidates that would bring the Spartan football program back to the top of the Big Ten and a yearly contender for the College Football Playoff.
Luke Fickell – Head Coach of the University of Cincinnati
Fickell and Dantonio coached under Jim Tressel at Ohio State for two seasons. As a proven head coach, Fickell has elevated the Bearcats program to new heights since becoming the head coach in 2017.
Under Fickell, the Bearcats have a 26-13 record with two bowl game victories in the Military Bowl and the Birmingham Bowl. Fickell’s familiarity with the Big Ten combined with his coaching experience and his ability to recruit the midwest would revive this Spartan program.
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Pat Narduzzi – Head Coach of the University of Pittsburgh
Narduzzi is a former Michigan State assistant. He followed Dantonio from Cincinnati where he was the defensive coordinator in 2004 through 2007 for the Bearcats. As the Spartan’s DC under Dantonio from 2007-2014, Narduzzi would become one of the most elite defensive minds in the country.
In 2013, Narduzzi won the Broyles Award given to the best assistant coach in college football. He became the head coach of the University of Pittsburgh in 2014, leading the Panthers to a 36-29 record over 5 seasons.
In 2018, Narduzzi led Pitt to its first ACC Coastal Division title. If the Spartans bring back Narduzzi, the Spartans defense would be revamped, returning their defense back to one of the best in the nation.
Robert Saleh – Defensive Coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers.
Robert Saleh, current defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers, is a Michigan native. He began his coaching career as a defensive assistant for the Spartans from 2002-2003.
After spending four seasons in the college ranks for Michigan State, Central Michigan and the University of Georgia, Saleh’s career led him to the NFL. He spent six seasons with the Texans. Saleh won a Super Bowl as a defensive quality control coach with the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII.
After being on the Jaguars staff as the linebackers coach from 2014-2016, Saleh has emerged as one of the top defensive coordinators in the NFL leading the 49ers to Super Bowl LIV. Saleh’s 49ers defense led the NFL in sacks, turnovers and rushing yards allowed.
The 49ers defense ranked top three in total yards allowed. For Saleh, he would be returning home to coach the Spartans and his vast NFL experience would a tremendous advantage on the recruiting trail.
Among these three defensive minds, Fickell seems to be the front-runner to be the next Michigan State head coach. Although Narduzzi would be familiar with the program, the Spartans need a breath of fresh air to get them back to the top of the Big Ten.
In regards to Saleh, he will remain the defensive coordinator of the 49ers until NFL head coaching opportunities approach him in his near future. Luke Fickell will most likely bring his defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman, former Buckeye linebacker, along with him to run the Spartans defense.
Next. The time is now for these Buckeyes. dark
Despite Dantonio’s successful tenure, Luke Fickell will bring the Spartans back to the top of the Big Ten, competing for Big Ten Championships year after year.