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Michigan State football: 5 head coaching candidates who have fallen off the radar

By Connor Muldowney

Oct 21, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Washington State Cougars head coach Jake Dickert reacts on the sidelines during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Washington State Cougars head coach Jake Dickert reacts on the sidelines during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 23, 2023; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars head coach Jake Dickert looks on against the Oregon State Beavers in the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2023; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars head coach Jake Dickert looks on against the Oregon State Beavers in the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

Jake Dickert was a fast-rising name on everyone’s list a few short weeks ago, but that’s the luxury of having a couple of months to judge a head coaching search. You don’t have to make a decision right away and you can see if some of these early candidates are legit or just flashes in the pan.

For Dickert, I think it’s too early to say he’s either because he’s been decent at Washington State after taking over in a horrible position, but he’s not quite winning big.

The Cougars began the season 4-0 with a statement win over then-No. 14 Oregon State and everyone was quick to jump on the Dickert bandwagon. Heck, I was right there. But since then and all the hype he garnered, he’s lost five straight games and now the Cougars are in serious danger of missing a bowl game at 4-5. That would be an epic collapse.

If I’m Alan Haller, I see this rapid downfall of the season and I get spooked because, well, that’s exactly the type of situation Michigan State is trying to avoid with its next hire.

Dickert could very well turn the program around into a consistent winner, but Michigan State doesn’t have time to see that play out.

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