Spartans receive endowment to keep defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi

As the mega-matchup between the No. 8 Michigan State Spartans and No. 14 Ohio State Buckeyes looms, Michigan State faithful was given another reason to be excited.

Defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi is now less likely to leave the program this offseason in search of a head coaching position after eight stellar seasons with the Spartans.

Michigan State boosters are serious about keeping Narduzzi in East Lansing. The school announced Thursday, via its website, it received a $3 million gift which will be used, in part, to retain Narduzzi’s services.

“Helping to ensure the future success of Michigan State University Athletics, Alumni Peter and Joan Secchia have made a leadership gift in support of Empower Extraordinary -- the campaign for Michigan State, the university announced today. The $3 million gift is being directed toward the endowment of the defensive coordinator position and capital improvements for the MSU men’s basketball program.”

In each of the last four seasons, the Spartans have been a top six defense nationally under Narduzzi’s supervision. Because of the team’s success on that side of the football, teams will be lining up to interview its coordinator.

Narduzzi already received a raise earlier this year after winning the Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach. The defensive coordinator made $904,583 this season as a result of the raise. His salary may be pushed over $1 million with this latest gift to the Michigan State athletic department.

Last year, Narduzzi turned own overtures from the UConn Huskies and the Louisville Cardinals. Potential openings at Michigan, Illinois or Florida could entice him to leave, though.

Either way, Narduzzi is set to get paid again after this season.