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Michigan State Football: 5 potential candidates to replace Mark Dantonio

By Connor Muldowney

TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Luke Fickell of the Cincinnati Bearcats looks on during warmups before a game against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Luke Fickell of the Cincinnati Bearcats looks on during warmups before a game against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 21: Head Coach Jim McElwain of the Central Michigan Chippewas coaching in the first half against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 21: Head Coach Jim McElwain of the Central Michigan Chippewas coaching in the first half against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

4. Jim McElwain, HC, Central Michigan

While this may not be as intriguing as a Matt Campbell, Jim McElwain has plenty of experience which would make him a prime candidate to take over a Power Five program.

McElwain is currently at Central Michigan and spent a year as a Michigan assistant under Jim Harbaugh, but before that, he was at Florida. In two-plus seasons with the Gators, he was 22-12 and won a couple of division titles. He never won the SEC title, but his leash was short in year three as he was fired just seven games into the season.

Before he was at Florida, he was busy turning Colorado State into a 10-game winner and he went 22-15 in three seasons with the Rams. He knows all about turning programs around.

In one season with Central Michigan, the 57-year-old Montana-native turned Central Michigan into a bowl team, winning eight games as well as the MAC West. He didn’t win his bowl game, but eight wins at Central in year one is impressive.

Michigan State may just take a chance at bringing him down the road to East Lansing.

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