In case you missed it getting ready for the holiday, Mel Tucker officially signed his long-term extension to remain in East Lansing. That deal runs for 10 seasons at $95 million and elevates Tucker among the highest-paid coaches in American sports.

While Tucker is in just his 3rd season as a head coach (2nd with the Spartans), Michigan State elected to invest in the future as opposed to potentially losing Tucker to one of the vacancies around the country. The pressure is now ramped up for Tucker to produce over the life of the deal, but it is encouraging to see the Spartans invest in the program.

One person that paid attention to the deal is Deion Sanders, who is currently the head coach at Jackson State. He congratulated Tucker and said the head coach is “worth every dime you’re blessed with.”

For Tucker, the first step to earning that big deal would be a win over Penn State in Week 13. A win would move Michigan State to 10-2 and keep the Spartans in line for a potential New Year’s Six Bowl.