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Mel Tucker speaks to importance of building culture at Michigan State
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Mel Tucker didn’t mince any words when he took the job at Michigan State in 2020. The head coach was looking to implement a strong culture in East Lansing, one that would propel the Spartans back to the top of the B1G.
In just two short years, it appears to be working.
Michigan State concluded the 2021 season with an 11-2 record, defeating in-state rival Michigan and closing the year with a victory over Pitt in the Peach Bowl. It was a tremendous season for a team that ended last year with a 2-5 mark.
Speaking at the MHSFCA annual clinic on Friday, Tucker spoke on the importance of building a strong culture. He called it the “difference” between a winning and losing organization.
Detroit Free Press reporter Chris Solari captured Tucker’s comment:
Tucker: “I love Xs and Os. But I love building culture.” Says that ultimately is the difference for a winning organization. “That culture, you should be able to feel that in the building.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) January 14, 2022
There’s no question Tucker has made a quick impact in East Lansing, probably faster than most anticipated when he took the job.
It’s because, fairly quickly, Tucker was able to implement his culture and get players to buy in. That’s not always the easiest task for a coach in his second season. But it happened at Michigan State.
Now, can the Spartans build on the success they enjoyed last fall? That will be another test for the culture Tucker is building at MSU.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB