Mark Dantonio Stablizies Michigan State Program

The days of John L. Smith as head football coach at Michigan State were over. The program had been on a wobbly base for Smith's entire tenure. It seemed like the Spartans were in a "win now" mode when they didn't have enough pieces to achieve that. The program was going in all different directions, some pieces moved forward. Some moved backwards. When it was announced that Smith would not be retained, it seemed as if all the moving pieces stopped. The Spartan football program not only needed a stable force, but it wanted a stable force. Badly. Enter Mark Dantonio. Dantonio is a Big Ten bred, nothing flashy, get the job done type of coach. Instantly, he brought respect, responsibility, and character back to East Lansing. All those moving pieces that moved in different directions? They began moving forward upon Dantonio's arrival. The plan was implemented and the is continuing to progress. In his first year, the Spartans went 7-6 and finished with a berth in the Champs Sports Bowl. ... (link)