I went to Michigan State University and graduated with both my undergrad and master’s degree from the university, so I want to see the Spartans do well. I’m also a huge football fan, which makes me even more motivated to see my team and Mel Tucker win, win and win.
But, right now, MSU football is not looking good. In fact, it’s looking downright scary.
Major news broke Sunday (April 30), when three Michigan State starters entered the transfer portal. The moves came right after spring practice, too, which makes it even worse.
Those new transfers for the Spartans are Payton Thorne, Charles Brantley and Keon Coleman. But, they aren’t the first Spartans to skip out. Other MSU football players also entered the transfer portal earlier this season. It’s like a huge flow of Spartans out of the Mel Tucker-coached team.
Add to the carnage is the fact that Tucker has one of the biggest college football contracts out there. He had a hugely successful 2021 season, when he had star player Kenneth Walker III on board. Then, in 2022, the team went 5-7, which was a disappointment. Now, Spartan football fans are even more upset.
Under his current contract, Tucker is making $9.5 million annually until 2032. That’s so much money, and fans are more than upset. Fans are also posting some funny things on socials. Check out one tweet below.
NCAA denies Mel Tucker’s appeal to start actual dogs at QB and WR next season. pic.twitter.com/BogBjMmhw5
— Wolverine Chronicle (@WolverineChron) April 30, 2023
But, Tucker is trying to pick up the pieces. On Monday (May 1), he hired Mark Diethorn as the program’s new executive director of player personnel and recruiting. Diethorn replaces Saeed Khalif, who was with the team for two seasons. Tucker didn’t renew his contract.
Diethorn head to East Lansing, Michigan, following some time from 2018 to 2021 as the director of player personnel at Virginia Tech. Previously, he also worked at Florida and Pittsburgh.
“Mark has a vision and a passion for recruiting and understands what it takes to be successful at this level,” Tucker explained in a press release. “He has also shown the ability to identify talent in the transfer portal. He’s very organized and has a thorough process for evaluating players and managing a roster. I’m excited for Mark to hit the ground running and make an impact on our program.”
I really feel like this season is do-or-die for Tucker. I’m not sure what options MSU has to buy him out of his contract, but if this is another losing season, State will be under pressure to get rid of him. Here’s hoping it doesn’t come to that. Go green.
Switching gears to the NFL, check out Patrick Mahomes’ adorable family here.