It took some time, but it sounds like Mel Tucker has found his defensive coordinator at Michigan State.

Thursday, GoPowercat.com reported that Michigan State is likely to name Scottie Hazelton the defensive coordinator. According to the report, the job “has yet to be officially accepted, but K-State is anticipating Hazelton to take the job and that the offer he got from the Spartans is one that K-State ‘can’t match.'”

Hazelton would be the 10th assistant coach on Michigan State’s staff, which would round out the coaching search for Tucker.

Last season was Hazelton’s first at Kansas State. In addition to being the defensive coordinator, he also coached linebackers. He held both roles at Wyoming in 2017 and 2018, as well.

This would be Hazelton’s first stop in the B1G, but he did spend time with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars from 2014-16. Tucker has had to move quickly on assembling a staff before spring practice.

While no deal is yet confirmed, it sounds like the final piece is in place.