Just as Michigan State was preparing to take the field for the opening kickoff of the 100th Rose Bowl game, a report about a new contract for head coach Mark Dantonio had surfaced.
According to Joe Schad of ESPN.com, Dantonio’s new contract will make him one of the three highest paid coaches in the Big Ten. Ohio State’s Urban Meyer is making a total of $4.6 million this season and his staff receives a total pay adding up to $3.74 million according to the coaching salary database organized by USA Today. Michigan’s Brady Hoke earned $4.15 million and his staff earned $3.07 million. Dantonio was previously reported to be making $1.95 million in total pay at Michigan State, the fourth lowest in the Big Ten. His staff was earning $2.41 million, the fifth highest among Big Ten coaching staff payrolls on record.
The pay raise for Dantonio is certainly worthy after guiding the Spartans to the Big Ten championship and earning a rare trip to the Rose Bowl. Giving Dantonio a raise should also fend off any overtures from other programs looking for a new head coach. Texas had been reported to be interesting in talking to the Spartans head coach, and defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi, this year’s Broyles Award winner as the top assistant coach in the nation, is becoming a name to consider for a head coaching gig.