Huge bonus coming Mark Dantonio's way if he sticks around through mid-January
Speculation about Mark Dantonio’s future at Michigan State has been running wild over the last few weeks, with many believing the 2019 season could be his last in East Lansing. But there is at least one incentive for the head coach to stick around for one more year.
According to a report from Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press, Dantonio would net a $4.3 million bonus if he sticks around through January 15, 2020. The incentive was part of a reconstructed contract that Dantonio agreed to in February 2016, a month after the Spartans claimed a B1G title and appeared in the College Football Playoff.
“Michigan State’s football brand has never been stronger,” former athletic director Mark Hollis said at the time of the renegotiated contract. “We’re so excited about the future of our football program under Mark’s leadership and direction.”
Since that 2015 season, though, Michigan State has been a middle-of-the-road team in the B1G. In 2016, the Spartans finished with a 3-9 record, the worst year of the Dantonio era. MSU did bounce back the following season, posting another 10-win season.
Last year, Michigan State finished 7-6, but had one of the nation’s least productive offenses. Right now, the Spartans sit at 4-3 and are coming off two straight blowout losses to Ohio State and Wisconsin.
The .500 football in East Lansing has caused many to speculate that Dantonio will call it a career at the end of the season. And with six players entering the transfer portal in the last two months, there are even more eyes on Dantonio and Michigan State.
It will be interesting to see how Dantonio handles the situation, and whether he opts to stick around for that sizeable bonus.