Michigan State football: 5 ways Mark Dantonio can turn program around

Michigan State Football: 5 ways Mark Dantonio can turn program around in 2020

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 16: Michigan State Spartans head football coach Mark Dantonio looks at the score board late in the third quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Michigan State 44-10. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

2 of 5

ANN ARBOR, MI – NOVEMBER 16: Michigan State Spartans head football coach Mark Dantonio watches the replay late in the fourth quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Michigan State 40-10. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

4. Bring Harlon Barnett back

Harlon Barnett’s departure had more of an impact than people realize. He was a former Spartan athlete who joined Mark Dantonio’s staff and rose all the way up to co-defensive coordinator before taking a higher-paying job with Willie Taggart’s staff down at Florida State.

Now that Taggart has been fired, it looks as if Barnett will be searching for a new job this offseason, and that’s where Dantonio should come in to play.

Barnett was an excellent recruiter and one heck of a defensive coach and his return could turn the secondary around while also getting the recruiting back on track. Players loved him and he was one of the main reasons a lot of them committed.

Bringing Barnett back would have an impact on recruiting, the staff cohesion and even the defensive side of the ball which has seen a steady decline in 2019.

Home/Spartans Football