Mel Tucker and Michigan State appear to be in it for the long haul. According to recent reports, the coach is close to landing a lofty extension that will net him over $8 million a year.

In his second season at the helm, Tucker has transformed No. 7 Michigan State into a legitimate B1G contender.

During an appearance on Michigan State basketball alum Draymond Green’s show, Tucker expressed what made the decision to put down roots in East Lansing an easy one:

“I have B1G roots. I played at Wisconsin, I’m from Cleveland, Ohio, my parents are 3 hours and 15 minutes away, my wife’s from Chicago. I know the landscape,” Tucker said. “This is where I started my career in 1997…it was never my intention to come here and just pass through. I believe we’re building something special here.”

Tucker also said he wants Michigan State to be in the national mix every season:

“That’s my goal,” Tucker said. “I came here and I made it clear in my initial press conference that I thought Michigan State was a destination job and not a stepping stone. ”