Mark Dantonio is a Wanted Coach and It's a Nice Problem to Have

Coaching rumors.

They can be exciting (Tracking planes on the internet), juicy (Brian Kelly playing the MSU job against the ISU job and losing them both in the process), misleading (Todd Grantham, anyone?), and even creepy (Ummm....tracking planes on the internet).

For years, Michigan State's head coach has been the subject of constant speculation surrounding any big-time coaching vacancy.  In fact, it has practically become a yearly tradition in East Lansing. 

The message boards melt down, the sports radio hosts debate, (Local Sports Anchor) Tim Staudt calls emergency "What-If" staff meetings, and the rumors swirl.   This time, however, things are very different.

You see, in the past, this phenomenon seemed to only hover over the Breslin Center, whereas now, the storm has settled squarely over the newly-renovated Duffy Daugherty Football building.

Michigan State finds itself in uncharted waters. Mark Dantonio is a wanted man. Will he be going anywhere?  Probably not, but the message board whispers are beginning to grow into more than just unconfirmed Rob Parkerness. 

Dantonio has the Spartans sitting at 9-2 (6-1), in the middle of the Big 10 title race, and in prime position for a New Year's Day bowl appearance in just year two of what was supposed to be a rebuilding job at MSU. 

His own demeanor has obviously rubbed off on the program, and the notion of "Same Old Spartans" has, finally, been retired (Although, no doubt, a loss to Penn State will cause Drew Sharp to utter the tired phrase once again).

Regardless, the rest of the country is finally starting to take notice.  Sources say that Tennessee and Clemson have Dantonio on their short lists, Washington too. 

Could Dantonio be swayed?  Like I said earlier, probably not.  Then again, I've been wrong before.

Dantonio has reportedly stated that Michigan State will be his last job.  In his now infamous, "Pride Comes Before the Fall" presser following the 2007 loss to Michigan (Wow, is this guy Nostradamus ?), he was quoted as saying "I'm gonna be the coach here for a long time." 

Many a Spartan fan will no doubt be desperately holding him to his words.  Words aside, there are several other factors that play into his success in East Lansing, and they do not necessarily translate to many other coaching jobs. 

Take for instance, the success that Dantonio and his staff have had in recruiting.  The knock on Michigan State in the past was that recruiting presented too much of a problem for a coaching staff to overcome. 

Saban was reportedly frustrated with the likes of Notre Dame, Michigan, and Ohio State surrounding him, and snatching up the available talent.  With the way the landscape has changed, I don't see that being a solid argument at all anymore. 

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?