Michigan State Football: 5 potential candidates to replace Mark Dantonio

3. Mike Tressel/Harlon Barnett

Mike Tressel was one of those no-brainer candidates a year ago after he took over as defensive coordinator for Harlon Barnett who decided to head to Florida State to be Willie Taggart’s assistant. He led one of the best defenses in the nation and was with Mark Dantonio for 15 years and all 13 at Michigan State.

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However, a lackluster performance by the defense in 2019, especially in clutch situations, led to people doubting his ability to become the next head coach and lead the program. He’s a solid recruiter, though, and he’s on the younger side which is what MSU needs.

Tressel may have the same chances to become the Spartans’ next coach as the aforementioned Barnett who left for Florida State, but the Seminoles have since fired Taggart and replaced him with Mike Norvell. There may not be a spot for him in Tallahassee anymore.

If Barnett does decide to come home, it could be as Michigan State’s next head coach.

Michigan State could go the route of an in-house hire and if that’s the case, I believe it will be Tressel or Barnett (I still consider Barnett in-house even though he’s been gone for two years).