Field Level Media - Professional sports content solutions | FLM

Mark DantonioMark Dantonio announced Tuesday that he is stepping down after 13 years as the head coach of the Michigan State football program.

Dantonio, who is the winningest coach in school history, made his declaration via a lengthy letter in which he thanked fans, alumni, the administration and members of the football staff, past and present.

“Every February since 2007, I have reset this program in preparation for the next year’s challenge,” Dantonio wrote. “After much reflection and discussion with my family, I feel that it is now time for change as we enter a new decade of Michigan State football.”

To all Spartans: Thank you for everything. You have truly helped my dreams come true. pic.twitter.com/uKkubvp1cW

— Mark Dantonio (@DantonioMark) February 4, 2020

According to Dantonio, he’ll remain with the university and the athletic department “in a role involving special projects, especially transitioning our players, both current and incoming, to their next challenge.”

Dantonio, 63, initially announced in November that he intended to return for the 2020 season.

Michigan State announced that Mike Tressel will serve as interim head coach until a replacement is found. Tressel is the nephew of former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel.

A two-time Big Ten Coach of the Year (2010, 2013), Dantonio also won three conference championships and three division titles while guiding the Spartans to a bowl game in 11 of his 13 seasons.



Michigan State qualified for the College Football Playoff in 2015 before being routed 38-0 in the semifinals by eventual national champion Alabama.

Michigan State answered a five-game losing streak last season by winning its last two regular-season games. It then defeated Wake Forest in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl on Dec. 27.

Since taking over in 2007, Dantonio has guided Michigan State to a 114-57 record. He also had an 18-17 mark in three years at Cincinnati (2004-06).

After posting at least 11 wins in five out of six seasons between 2010 and 2015, the Spartans have only reached double-digit wins once (10 in 2017) in the past four seasons. They haven’t been to the Rose Bowl since beating Stanford 24-20 on Jan. 1, 2014.

Dantonio surpassed Duffy Daugherty (109 wins from 1954-72) as the winningest coach in program history last year.

–Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)