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Michigan State football: Worst head coach hires in program history

By Josh Yourish

Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker watches a play against Central Michigan from the sideline during the second half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023.
Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker watches a play against Central Michigan from the sideline during the second half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023. /
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April 30, 1967; Lansing, MI: Spartan football coach Duffy Daugherty (second from left) is surrounded by top backfield candidates. Four of the five are expected to start in this fall. From left are Frank Waters, Bob Apisa, Jimmy Raye, Reggie Cavender and Dwight Lee. Mandatory Credit: State Journal Photo-USA TODAY NETWORK
April 30, 1967; Lansing, MI: Spartan football coach Duffy Daugherty (second from left) is surrounded by top backfield candidates. Four of the five are expected to start in this fall. From left are Frank Waters, Bob Apisa, Jimmy Raye, Reggie Cavender and Dwight Lee. Mandatory Credit: State Journal Photo-USA TODAY NETWORK /

Frank Waters (1980-82)

Before he was the head coach of the Spartans, Frank Waters played for legendary Michigan State head coach Duffy Daugherty in East Lansing. He only ran for 90 yards and two touchdowns in his two-year career and that was still more successful than his time patrolling the sidelines.

Daugherty’s last season was 1972 and Michigan State went through two other coaches, Dennis Stolz and Darryl Rogers before landing on Waters in 1980. His predecessor, Rogers, only coached for three years, but two of those were winning seasons.

Waters inherited a team that went 5-6 in 1979 and proceeded to win just three games in 1980, five in 1981 and just two in 1982. He finished his career at 10-23.

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