Mel Tucker’s staff is receiving some additional incentive to stick around East Lansing after Michigan State closed out an impressive 11-2 season in 2021.

As part of Tucker’s restructured contract, all of his returning staffers will receive a pay bump heading into the 2022 season. The Spartans head coach received an additional $1.5 million in salary pool money, which is now at a total of $7.5 million per year, according to Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press.

Here’s a breakdown of the pay scale for each of the assistants who received a pay increase this offseason, per Solari:

  • Jay Johnson, offensive coordinator — $1.35 million
  • Scottie Hazelton, defensive coordinator — $1.1 million
  • Chris Kapilovic, offensive line — $1 million
  • Ross Els, linebackers/special teams — $575,000
  • Harlon Barnett, defensive backs — $525,000
  • Ted Gilmore, tight ends — $550,000
  • Courtney Hawkins, wide receivers — $425,000

Michigan State made an enormous jump from a 2-5 team in 2020 to an 11-2 B1G East contender last season. The Spartans were the only team to hand Michigan a loss in the regular season.

The Spartans closed out the impressive year with a win over Pitt in the Peach Bowl.