Mark Dantonio is a Michigan State legend and the winningest coach in Spartan history. He presided over one of the best stretches of football ever in East Lansing, and the former head coach will return to the program this fall.

On Sunday, it was announced that head coach Mel Tucker was being suspended by Michigan State as the university conducts an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment. Harlon Barnett will serve as the interim head coach during the suspension, but Dantonio is going to assist the program.

At a Sunday evening press conference, MSU athletic director Alan Haller  confirmed Dantonio will serve as an associate head coach for the program:

“Coach Dantonio not only is an exceptional football coach (but) will be a tremendous resource for Harlan,” said Haller. “Both men have a deep love and care for Michigan State football, Spartan Athletics, the university and the East Lansing community.”

Asked for further details about Dantonio’s role, Haller said the program is still ironing out what exactly that will look like. However, he did confirm that Dantonio will be on a headset for game days, either on the sideline or in the coaching booth.

As for his response, Haller said Dantonio was willing to help however the Spartans needed:

“I called coach Dantonio this morning, his response was ‘Alan, whatever you need, I’m here to help.’ He was excited to be back and Coach D will probably be back at some point tomorrow,” Haller explained. “If not tomorrow, definitely on Tuesday. We’re still trying to figure out his role but he definitely will wear a headset either on the sidelines or up in the booth and he will offer his knowledge of his coaching career. I think he’ll be a tremendous asset for our student-athletes and our staff. And the student-athletes were fired up when I mentioned that to them.”

Mark Dantonio originally led the Spartan program from 2007-19, finishing with 114 career wins with 6 bowl victories. He led Michigan State to the College Football Playoff in 2015 and the program’s most recent Rose Bowl victory after the 2013 season.