Michigan State football: Power ranking head coaching candidates after Week 12

We are officially in the final week of the 2023 Michigan State football season and it feels like we’re so close to finding out who the next head coach will be.

Since Week 3 of the regular season, the Spartans have been coach-less with Harlon Barnett leading the way as the interim. Although he’s done a great job keeping everyone together, he has proven to not be quite ready to take the reins as a Power Five head coach.

So that means Michigan State will have to choose from the field. Who are the top candidates after Week 12 action and heading into Week 13?

Honorable mention: Urban Meyer, Jason Candle, Brian Hartline

I’m throwing Lance Leipold on here even thought it feels like the ship has sailed on him being the next head coach. He has shot down rumors and said that he hopes Kansas is his final coaching stop and he’s willing to work to get that done.

But you always hear things like that said in coaching searches.

However, I think the luster of hiring Leipold as the next head coach has worn off a bit, especially with his last two losses at home. He choked against Texas Tech in a very winnable game and then let one get away against top rival Kansas State with a late score. Of course, the Jayhawks were without Jason Bean in those two games, but these were two games they should’ve won.

With the Kansas State loss and his quotes about wanting Lawrence to be his final home, I have to move my once-favorite candidate down to No. 5.