Mark Dantonio is stepping down as the head football coach at Michigan State. He released a statement on Tuesday afternoon announcing his resignation.

Dantonio sent out a tweet on Tuesday afternoon to make the announcement. He thanked Spartan Nation for their support throughout his time in East Lansing. Dantonio just concluded his 13th season at Michigan State. The Spartans ended the 2019 campaign with a 7-6 record, which included a win over Wake Forest in the Pinstripe Bowl.

“Today marks one of the most difficult decisions that I have ever made here at Michigan State,” Dantonio said in a statement.

“Every February since 2007, I have reset this program in preparation for the next year’s challenges. After much reflection and discussion with my family, I feel that it is now time for change as we enter into a new decade of Michigan State Football.

“I have told our players on many occasions that ‘Michigan State is bigger than any one person. Someday there will be someone else here talking to you from this podium.’ That day has come.”

Much of the Dantonio era at Michigan State was successful. He guided the program through an incredible run from 2010-15, winning 65 games in six seasons, claiming three B1G titles (2010, 2013, 2015) and making a College Football Playoff appearance in 2015.

The last two years have been a struggle in East Lansing, the Spartans have posted back-to-back 7-6 records. Over the last four years, MSU is just 27-24.

Dantonio leaves Michigan State as the winningest head football coach in program history. He posted a career record of 115-57 with the Spartans. He also spent three seasons at Cincinnati, where he was 18-17.

Overall, Dantonio had a career mark of 133-74 and his teams appeared in bowl games in 14 of 16 seasons.