Michigan State is looking for a new head football coach. One name that has been mentioned by both The Athletic and ESPN as an attractive option for the Spartans is Washington State head coach Jake Dickert.

Dickert said Monday he has not spoken to Michigan State, or any other school for that matter.

“These are the things that come with team success. We wouldn’t be talking about these if we were 2-2. We wouldn’t be talking about these things if we were 0-4,” said Dickert, whose Cougars are 4-0 and ranked No. 13 in the country.

“I love my job. I love being here. We’re focused on right here, right now. Not on the past, not on the future, this team and what it means to everybody in the building. … I have not talked to any university out there. We’re focused on right here, right now, and what we’re going to do with this team.”

Dickert played college ball at Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He began his coaching career there as a grad assistant in 2007. In the decade-plus since, he has coached in North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri, Minnesota, and Wyoming. He moved to Washington State in 2020 and took over as head coach after the program fired Nick Rolovich in 2021.

Numerous active head coaches and coordinators have been linked to the opening in East Lansing since the Spartans made it known they intended to fire Mel Tucker.

Last week, Kansas State’s Chris Klieman took his name out of consideration.

On Monday, athletic director Alan Haller wrote a letter to the MSU community they will “thoroughly evaluate” a number of candidates but will not provide regular updates on the search.

“I expect that you will hear a lot of names and rumors,” Haller said. “I expect to speak with many individuals throughout this process. While some are candidates, others will be resources for me as I go about my due diligence to ensure the best hire for Michigan State.”

Michigan State formally fired Tucker for cause last Wednesday.