Big Ten: Dan Enos
Dantonio hopes to keep staff, reward staff
December, 23, 2011
12/23/11
2:00
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Mark Dantonio has lost only two assistants during his tenure at Michigan State, and both men -- Dan Enos and Don Treadwell -- left for head-coaching positions elsewhere.
Like several Big Ten programs, Michigan State ties its recent success to continuity on the coaching staff. Dantonio would like to keep it that way heading into 2012.
"I hope so," Dantonio told ESPN.com on Friday. "You never know how things change as you go through January, but our staff has been a big part of our success here. Great people, great teachers, great relationships with their players. It's one of the main reasons we're having great success."
Spartans defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi appeared to be the likeliest candidate to move onto a head-coaching position. Narduzzi, who guided the No. 5 defense this season, had been mentioned for vacancies at both Illinois and Akron, which since have been filled. While the coaching carousel is still spinning, it's a decent bet Narduzzi remains in East Lansing for another year.
But he needs to get paid. So do Dantonio's other assistants after what the program has done the past few seasons.
Narduzzi reportedly earned $235,000 this year. Offensive coordinator Dan Roushar earned $232,000, while the other assistants pocketed between $165,500-$182,550.
Michigan State's salaries are in the middle of the pack in the Big Ten, although comparable programs such as Wisconsin and Iowa both have a higher-paid assistant than the Spartans (Paul Chryst and Ken O'Keefe, respectively). Narduzzi certainly would appear in line to be one of the league's highest-paid aides.
Michigan State has pledged its commitment to Dantonio, who in October received a new contract designed to keep him a "Spartan for life." Dantonio has voiced the need to recognize his assistants' contributions as well, and he has received favorable feedback from the school's administration.
"When you see the pay scales for assistants and coordinators and things of that nature, we have to be able to keep pace with other people or we're going to lose [assistants]," Dantonio said. "Inevitably, this is a job and you have to worry about the benefits to your family long-term. Michigan State's a football program that's won 10 games this year, 11 games last year. We're on the cusp of something great here, but we haven't done this alone. This hasn't been just the head coach. It's been the assistants as well.
"People will recognize that. [Athletic director] Mark Hollis recognizes that and is doing everything possible to put us on equal footing financially."
Like several Big Ten programs, Michigan State ties its recent success to continuity on the coaching staff. Dantonio would like to keep it that way heading into 2012.
"I hope so," Dantonio told ESPN.com on Friday. "You never know how things change as you go through January, but our staff has been a big part of our success here. Great people, great teachers, great relationships with their players. It's one of the main reasons we're having great success."
Spartans defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi appeared to be the likeliest candidate to move onto a head-coaching position. Narduzzi, who guided the No. 5 defense this season, had been mentioned for vacancies at both Illinois and Akron, which since have been filled. While the coaching carousel is still spinning, it's a decent bet Narduzzi remains in East Lansing for another year.
But he needs to get paid. So do Dantonio's other assistants after what the program has done the past few seasons.
Narduzzi reportedly earned $235,000 this year. Offensive coordinator Dan Roushar earned $232,000, while the other assistants pocketed between $165,500-$182,550.
Michigan State's salaries are in the middle of the pack in the Big Ten, although comparable programs such as Wisconsin and Iowa both have a higher-paid assistant than the Spartans (Paul Chryst and Ken O'Keefe, respectively). Narduzzi certainly would appear in line to be one of the league's highest-paid aides.
Michigan State has pledged its commitment to Dantonio, who in October received a new contract designed to keep him a "Spartan for life." Dantonio has voiced the need to recognize his assistants' contributions as well, and he has received favorable feedback from the school's administration.
"When you see the pay scales for assistants and coordinators and things of that nature, we have to be able to keep pace with other people or we're going to lose [assistants]," Dantonio said. "Inevitably, this is a job and you have to worry about the benefits to your family long-term. Michigan State's a football program that's won 10 games this year, 11 games last year. We're on the cusp of something great here, but we haven't done this alone. This hasn't been just the head coach. It's been the assistants as well.
"People will recognize that. [Athletic director] Mark Hollis recognizes that and is doing everything possible to put us on equal footing financially."
Q&A: Spartans' Mark Dantonio talks Iowa
November, 9, 2011
11/09/11
6:00
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
While State College will be the center of the college football world Saturday, another significant Big Ten game is taking place hundreds of miles away in Iowa City. Michigan State and Iowa meet at Kinnick Stadium in a matchup with enormous implications for the Legends division. Both teams control their own fate with only one division loss (in Michigan State's case, just one Big Ten loss).
Michigan State will try to do what few Big Ten teams have accomplished this season -- win a big game on the road. The Spartans are 1-2 away from East Lansing this season and got spanked 37-6 last year at Iowa, which handed Michigan State its first and only regular-season loss.
I caught up with Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio on Wednesday to discuss the matchup.
When did Iowa first come to mind as a program you wanted to model Michigan State after when you took over in East Lansing?
Mark Dantonio: When I was here before, toward the tail end of my time here as an assistant, Kirk Ferentz had just been hired [as Iowa's coach]. They were a football team that for the first couple years struggled a little bit, but over the course of time, when we played them when I was at Ohio State, and also when I was at Cincinnati, they made their way in this conference. They gradually continued to get better until they were at the top of the conference. And they've been there pretty traditionally since then. Always in contention.
So when I became the head football coach here, I looked at football programs that have some similarities to ours in terms of what challenges they may have, those types of things. And I thought, 'Here's Iowa, good defensive football team, built on toughness, built on stability, continuity on their coaching staff, good fan support, but not one of the programs that were set up for the ages, I guess.' So I felt like that was a program to try and emulate, and we went about our business to try and do those things.
Our coaching staff has remained intact for the most part, losing two guys who became head football coaches [Don Treadwell and Dan Enos]. We've gradually made our way. We've been able to compete for a championship, and we find ourselves in the thick of things now. We're working toward it. We're not there yet.
In terms of players, did you feel you had to recruit similar types of players as Iowa? They've done really well talking walk-ons and kids that might not be the most decorated recruits and have gotten them to the NFL.
MD: We put an emphasis on recruiting who's going to fit our program as a person, number one, and number two, who's going to fit our program's needs. I think Iowa does the same thing. They don't get caught up in how many stars are behind someone's name. A great example of that with us is Le'Veon Bell. It was us and Bowling Green, and we offered him and he came here and has become a tremendous player. We have some four-star players and that type of thing as well, but this program, we're trying to recruit to our needs as much as anything. We spend a lot of time looking at the player, evaluating that guy, not just on film but in person as well.
Iowa has been able to compete with the traditional power programs in the league. Where is Michigan State in that realm in your mind?
MD: We're coming. We've beaten Ohio State. We've beaten Michigan four straight years. We're competing on equal footing with Penn State, 2-2 in the four [previous] years since we've been here. We're 3-2 against Wisconsin. The one program we've not got is the one that we're trying to emulate. But we've had close games with them, other than last year. It'll be a great challenge for us, but we're excited about the opportunity, and we're excited about where we're at. We recruited a lot of these guys -- Kirk Cousins and others -- with the idea that we can get to this next step, we can get to a championship-type game and we can get to a Rose Bowl. Now we're in control of our own destiny, and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel in that respect. Now it's important we meet the challenge.
How big of a step is this game, then, in terms of taking that jump as a program?
MD: It's a statement game, I think, in terms of going away from home and winning on the road, especially after last year and things. It's a challenge game. And usually when you're challenged, you tend to take it personal. But a tough challenge, a good football team we're playing, well-coached. Their team is built on toughness and execution as well.
You've been open about how your season is going to be largely decided on the road. Obviously, you had a rough outing last time at Nebraska. How have guys handle the road environments so far?
MD: We've played three on the road, and some tough ones. We've gone down to Notre Dame, we've played at Ohio State and we've played at Nebraska. We're 1-2 right now, so we've got two more left, and both of them will be challenges. You evaluate that at the end, but we need to go more mentally prepared maybe than we were this past time at Nebraska. We have to create our momentum. Momentum won't be created by the crowd.
How do you feel about the offense coming out of the Minnesota game and into this one?
MD: I felt Kirk Cousins played very well. He only has five interceptions for the entire season. He makes great decisions. Have to continue to try and run the ball more effectively and keep balance so we can protect our quarterback, and then we have to just protect him, period. Which we've been able to do. Explosive plays are always very, very important. When we've gotten eight explosive plays or more [in a game], we're 35-5. So that's where it's at. We've got to find explosive plays, either running the football or passing it.
And defensively, we've played pretty well on the road. How do you feel about that group going against a potent offense in Iowa?
MD: It's another challenge for us. They do a great job running the football. They've got a great offensive line, a big, powerful back [Marcus Coker]. He leads the league in rushing. A big-play wide receiver [Marvin McNutt], a quarterback [James Vandenberg] who makes good decisions, can get out of the pocket. So it's a challenge for us. To play well on the road, we've got to play well in the red zone and come up with turnovers and try to take the crowd out of the game and be relentless.
Everyone's new to divisional play, but how do you address that with your players?
MD: They're very aware of what we have to do. We're in control, but all things are not lost if we lose. Our players understand that. It's exciting to look at all the possibilities because there are possibilities across the board on both sides of these divisions, and that's exciting for college football.
Michigan State will try to do what few Big Ten teams have accomplished this season -- win a big game on the road. The Spartans are 1-2 away from East Lansing this season and got spanked 37-6 last year at Iowa, which handed Michigan State its first and only regular-season loss.
I caught up with Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio on Wednesday to discuss the matchup.
[+] Enlarge
Andrew Weber/US PresswireSpartans coach Mark Dantonio's team is heading into a tough road environment this week against Iowa.
Andrew Weber/US PresswireSpartans coach Mark Dantonio's team is heading into a tough road environment this week against Iowa.Mark Dantonio: When I was here before, toward the tail end of my time here as an assistant, Kirk Ferentz had just been hired [as Iowa's coach]. They were a football team that for the first couple years struggled a little bit, but over the course of time, when we played them when I was at Ohio State, and also when I was at Cincinnati, they made their way in this conference. They gradually continued to get better until they were at the top of the conference. And they've been there pretty traditionally since then. Always in contention.
So when I became the head football coach here, I looked at football programs that have some similarities to ours in terms of what challenges they may have, those types of things. And I thought, 'Here's Iowa, good defensive football team, built on toughness, built on stability, continuity on their coaching staff, good fan support, but not one of the programs that were set up for the ages, I guess.' So I felt like that was a program to try and emulate, and we went about our business to try and do those things.
Our coaching staff has remained intact for the most part, losing two guys who became head football coaches [Don Treadwell and Dan Enos]. We've gradually made our way. We've been able to compete for a championship, and we find ourselves in the thick of things now. We're working toward it. We're not there yet.
In terms of players, did you feel you had to recruit similar types of players as Iowa? They've done really well talking walk-ons and kids that might not be the most decorated recruits and have gotten them to the NFL.
MD: We put an emphasis on recruiting who's going to fit our program as a person, number one, and number two, who's going to fit our program's needs. I think Iowa does the same thing. They don't get caught up in how many stars are behind someone's name. A great example of that with us is Le'Veon Bell. It was us and Bowling Green, and we offered him and he came here and has become a tremendous player. We have some four-star players and that type of thing as well, but this program, we're trying to recruit to our needs as much as anything. We spend a lot of time looking at the player, evaluating that guy, not just on film but in person as well.
Iowa has been able to compete with the traditional power programs in the league. Where is Michigan State in that realm in your mind?
MD: We're coming. We've beaten Ohio State. We've beaten Michigan four straight years. We're competing on equal footing with Penn State, 2-2 in the four [previous] years since we've been here. We're 3-2 against Wisconsin. The one program we've not got is the one that we're trying to emulate. But we've had close games with them, other than last year. It'll be a great challenge for us, but we're excited about the opportunity, and we're excited about where we're at. We recruited a lot of these guys -- Kirk Cousins and others -- with the idea that we can get to this next step, we can get to a championship-type game and we can get to a Rose Bowl. Now we're in control of our own destiny, and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel in that respect. Now it's important we meet the challenge.
How big of a step is this game, then, in terms of taking that jump as a program?
MD: It's a statement game, I think, in terms of going away from home and winning on the road, especially after last year and things. It's a challenge game. And usually when you're challenged, you tend to take it personal. But a tough challenge, a good football team we're playing, well-coached. Their team is built on toughness and execution as well.
You've been open about how your season is going to be largely decided on the road. Obviously, you had a rough outing last time at Nebraska. How have guys handle the road environments so far?
MD: We've played three on the road, and some tough ones. We've gone down to Notre Dame, we've played at Ohio State and we've played at Nebraska. We're 1-2 right now, so we've got two more left, and both of them will be challenges. You evaluate that at the end, but we need to go more mentally prepared maybe than we were this past time at Nebraska. We have to create our momentum. Momentum won't be created by the crowd.
How do you feel about the offense coming out of the Minnesota game and into this one?
MD: I felt Kirk Cousins played very well. He only has five interceptions for the entire season. He makes great decisions. Have to continue to try and run the ball more effectively and keep balance so we can protect our quarterback, and then we have to just protect him, period. Which we've been able to do. Explosive plays are always very, very important. When we've gotten eight explosive plays or more [in a game], we're 35-5. So that's where it's at. We've got to find explosive plays, either running the football or passing it.
And defensively, we've played pretty well on the road. How do you feel about that group going against a potent offense in Iowa?
MD: It's another challenge for us. They do a great job running the football. They've got a great offensive line, a big, powerful back [Marcus Coker]. He leads the league in rushing. A big-play wide receiver [Marvin McNutt], a quarterback [James Vandenberg] who makes good decisions, can get out of the pocket. So it's a challenge for us. To play well on the road, we've got to play well in the red zone and come up with turnovers and try to take the crowd out of the game and be relentless.
Everyone's new to divisional play, but how do you address that with your players?
MD: They're very aware of what we have to do. We're in control, but all things are not lost if we lose. Our players understand that. It's exciting to look at all the possibilities because there are possibilities across the board on both sides of these divisions, and that's exciting for college football.
This was bound to happen eventually. I've been trying so hard to suppress like my carefree idiot side that it just rebelled and came out swingin'.
- Two former Ohio State coaches weigh in on Luke Fickell's tough call at quarterback, Tim May writes in The Columbus Dispatch. Doug Lesmerises answers several questions on Ohio State's offensive struggles.
- Nebraska CB Alfonzo Dennard reveals the full extent of his injury and says he isn't quite mentally ready to play. Huskers offensive coordinator Tim Beck is proud of T-Magic.
- The Heisman hype is building for Wisconsin's Russell Wilson.
- Will the Big Ten be forced to jump into realignment fever?
- Vincent Smith emerges for Michigan at running back, colleague Michael Rothstein writes. Wolverines players say this year's fast start feels different than the previous two.
- Illinois' offense is now the unit with something to prove, John Supinie writes. The Illini are on the rise in the Big Ten.
- The ACC is a good regional fit for Penn State, but the Big Ten still brings plenty of pluses, Donnie Collins writes. Bob Flounders doesn't like what he sees from Penn State after the first three games.
- Former Michigan State assistant Dan Enos looks to spark Central Michigan against his alma mater, David Goricki writes in The Detroit News.
- Bruce Davis' parents were surprised the Iowa LB quit the team, Randy Peterson writes in the Des Moines Register.
- Minnesota QB MarQueis Gray is starting to blossom, Marcus Fuller writes in the (St. Paul) Pioneer Press.
- The Big Ten could be in another down year, Loren Tate writes in The (Champaign) News-Gazette. Here are Athlon Sports' latest Big Ten power rankings.
- Northwestern' bye week comes at a good time.
- Terry Hutchens looks at Indiana's next opponent -- North Texas.
- Sparty and Brutus are holding their own in the Capital One Mascot Challenge.
2011 schedule analysis: Michigan State
May, 11, 2011
5/11/11
5:00
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
My team-by-team breakdown of each Big Ten schedule continues with the Michigan State Spartans.
Nonconference opponents (with 2010 records)
Sept. 2: Youngstown State (3-8)
Sept. 10: Florida Atlantic (4-8)
Sept. 17: at Notre Dame (8-5)
Sept. 24: Central Michigan (3-9)
Legends division games
Oct. 15: Michigan
Oct. 29: at Nebraska
Nov. 5: Minnesota
Nov. 12: at Iowa
Nov. 26: at Northwestern
Crossover games
Oct. 1: at Ohio State
Oct. 22: Wisconsin
Nov. 19: Indiana (protected)
No plays
Penn State
Purdue
Illinois
Gut-check game: At Ohio State. We'll find out early on if Michigan State is a team that once again can contend for a Big Ten championship. The Spartans open conference play in Columbus, where they take on an Ohio State team playing its final game without quarterback Terrelle Pryor, four other suspended players and (presumably) coach Jim Tressel. Ohio State is the only Big Ten team (besides newcomer Nebraska) that Michigan State hasn't beaten in coach Mark Dantonio's tenure. The Spartans have dropped seven consecutive games to the Buckeyes.
Trap game: Minnesota. Although it's a division game, the Minnesota contest falls after Michigan State plays archrival Michigan, Wisconsin and Nebraska and before the Spartans visit Iowa City, where they were thrashed 37-6 last season. Minnesota is going through a coaching change and visits East Lansing for the second consecutive year after falling to Michigan State 31-8 last November.
Snoozer: Florida Atlantic. Michigan State's nonconference schedule offers several possibilities, but Youngstown State is the opener (on a Friday night, no less) and Central Michigan marks the return of former Spartans assistant and former Spartans quarterback Dan Enos to East Lansing. The Owls are coming off of back-to-back losing seasons.
Non-con challenge: Michigan State has won four of its past six meetings against rival Notre Dame, but the Spartans could head to South Bend as the underdogs this year. Notre Dame returns 16 starters and could make a jump in Brian Kelly's second season as coach. The Irish haven't forgotten "Little Giants," and Kelly could have a few tricks up his sleeve for Michigan State.
Key stretch: Like many Big Ten teams, Michigan State gets few breaks during the month of October. The Spartans begin with the league opener at Ohio State. After an open week, they host rival Michigan and try to record their first four-game win streak against the Wolverines since 1959-62. Michigan State then hosts a Wisconsin team looking to avenge last year's loss in East Lansing and wraps up the month at Nebraska in a game that could decide the Legends division title.
Analysis: One of the few knocks against Dantonio during his Spartans tenure is the absence of a signature road victory. He and his players will have plenty of chances to record one this season. No Big Ten team faces a rougher road than the Spartans, who play five away games against teams that had a combined record of 37-16 in 2010. It further magnifies the importance of the Ohio State game because the Spartans can gain some confidence with a big win in Columbus. Michigan State should be favored in most if not all of its home games -- the Wisconsin contest could be a pick 'em -- and it'll be imperative for the Spartans to take care of business at home.
More B1G schedule analysis
Nonconference opponents (with 2010 records)
Sept. 2: Youngstown State (3-8)
Sept. 10: Florida Atlantic (4-8)
Sept. 17: at Notre Dame (8-5)
Sept. 24: Central Michigan (3-9)
Legends division games
Oct. 15: Michigan
Oct. 29: at Nebraska
Nov. 5: Minnesota
Nov. 12: at Iowa
Nov. 26: at Northwestern
Crossover games
Oct. 1: at Ohio State
Oct. 22: Wisconsin
Nov. 19: Indiana (protected)
No plays
Penn State
Purdue
Illinois
Gut-check game: At Ohio State. We'll find out early on if Michigan State is a team that once again can contend for a Big Ten championship. The Spartans open conference play in Columbus, where they take on an Ohio State team playing its final game without quarterback Terrelle Pryor, four other suspended players and (presumably) coach Jim Tressel. Ohio State is the only Big Ten team (besides newcomer Nebraska) that Michigan State hasn't beaten in coach Mark Dantonio's tenure. The Spartans have dropped seven consecutive games to the Buckeyes.
Trap game: Minnesota. Although it's a division game, the Minnesota contest falls after Michigan State plays archrival Michigan, Wisconsin and Nebraska and before the Spartans visit Iowa City, where they were thrashed 37-6 last season. Minnesota is going through a coaching change and visits East Lansing for the second consecutive year after falling to Michigan State 31-8 last November.
Snoozer: Florida Atlantic. Michigan State's nonconference schedule offers several possibilities, but Youngstown State is the opener (on a Friday night, no less) and Central Michigan marks the return of former Spartans assistant and former Spartans quarterback Dan Enos to East Lansing. The Owls are coming off of back-to-back losing seasons.
Non-con challenge: Michigan State has won four of its past six meetings against rival Notre Dame, but the Spartans could head to South Bend as the underdogs this year. Notre Dame returns 16 starters and could make a jump in Brian Kelly's second season as coach. The Irish haven't forgotten "Little Giants," and Kelly could have a few tricks up his sleeve for Michigan State.
Key stretch: Like many Big Ten teams, Michigan State gets few breaks during the month of October. The Spartans begin with the league opener at Ohio State. After an open week, they host rival Michigan and try to record their first four-game win streak against the Wolverines since 1959-62. Michigan State then hosts a Wisconsin team looking to avenge last year's loss in East Lansing and wraps up the month at Nebraska in a game that could decide the Legends division title.
Analysis: One of the few knocks against Dantonio during his Spartans tenure is the absence of a signature road victory. He and his players will have plenty of chances to record one this season. No Big Ten team faces a rougher road than the Spartans, who play five away games against teams that had a combined record of 37-16 in 2010. It further magnifies the importance of the Ohio State game because the Spartans can gain some confidence with a big win in Columbus. Michigan State should be favored in most if not all of its home games -- the Wisconsin contest could be a pick 'em -- and it'll be imperative for the Spartans to take care of business at home.
More B1G schedule analysis
Several Big Ten teams are still filling out their staffs for 2011, and we'll hear an official announcement or two later Monday.
Here's a roundup of what's been happening the last few days:
INDIANA
The Hoosiers on Friday announced the hiring of Brandon Shelby as cornerbacks coach. Shelby, who previously held the same position at Louisiana-Monroe, starred as a defensive back at Oklahoma during IU coach Kevin Wilson's time there and also served as a Sooners' defensive assistant in 2006. Shelby replaces Corey Raymond, who left Indiana to take a position at Nebraska. Although Nebraska hasn't made an official announcement about Raymond, he's expected to replace secondary coach Marvin Sanders, who resigned Thursday.
Indiana also last week hired Nebraska defensive assistant Brett Diersen as defensive tackles coach and Air Force running backs coach Jemal Singleton to the same position. Diersen replaces Jerry Montgomery, who Wilson said left for a position at Michigan.
These appointments complete Wilson's staff for 2011.
NEBRASKA
So far, Sanders' resignation is the only official announcement Bo Pelini has made about his staff. But Wilson said Raymond is on his way to Lincoln, and all signs point to offensive coordinator Shawn Watson and receivers coach Ted Gilmore being on their way out. Nebraska's offensive production dipped toward the end of the 2010 season, and the Huskers' receivers had an up-and-down year.
Multiple media reports from Nebraska state that Pelini might be targeting Oregon receivers coach Scott Frost, the former Huskers' star quarterback, and Notre Dame offensive line coach Ed Warinner as replacements. Warinner served as Kansas' offensive coordinator from 2007-09 and spent time in the Big Ten as Illinois' offensive line coach and run game coordinator from 2005-06.
The interesting part of this is Pelini reportedly will hand over play-calling duties to running backs coach Tim Beck. The Lincoln Journal Star and Omaha World-Herald both report that Frost might not leave Oregon unless it's for a job as a play-caller elsewhere.
Pelini seems to be reshaping his staff before Nebraska's jump to the Big Ten. It will be fascinating to see how things play out in Lincoln.
MICHIGAN
Coach Brady Hoke will finalize his staff Monday and announce the defensive assistants to join coordinator Greg Mattison.
Montgomery is on his way to Ann Arbor, and he'll reportedly be joined by Akron defensive coordinator Curt Mallory on the Michigan staff. Expect Mallory to coach the Wolverines' secondary, while Montgomery will work with the defensive line. Mallory played at Michigan and has spent his entire coaching career in the Midwest, serving as Illinois' secondary coach and co-defensive coordinator from 2007-09. Montgomery played at Iowa and most recently served as Wyoming's defensive line coach.
MICHIGAN STATE
After promoting Dan Roushar to offensive coordinator last week, Mark Dantonio reportedly has found the final member of his staff.
According to The (Mount Pleasant) Morning Sun, Central Michigan receivers coach Terry Samuel has left to take the same position on Michigan State's staff. Samuel, who played wide receiver at Purdue, worked his way up through the FCS ranks before joining former Dantonio assistant Dan Enos at Central Michigan last year.
He'll coach the position group that previous Michigan State offensive coordinator Don Treadwell oversaw. Samuel inherits a deep and talented receiving corps led by B.J. Cunningham and Keshawn Martin.
WISCONSIN
The Badgers lost a key assistant over the weekend as running backs coach John Settle departed for the same position with the Carolina Panthers. Settle did an outstanding job with Wisconsin's running backs, helping to mold standout players like P.J. Hill, John Clay, James White and Montee Ball.
Although Wisconsin always recruits talented backs, Settle leaves some big shoes to fill. It will be interesting to see who coach Bret Bielema hires as his replacement.
Here's a roundup of what's been happening the last few days:
INDIANA
The Hoosiers on Friday announced the hiring of Brandon Shelby as cornerbacks coach. Shelby, who previously held the same position at Louisiana-Monroe, starred as a defensive back at Oklahoma during IU coach Kevin Wilson's time there and also served as a Sooners' defensive assistant in 2006. Shelby replaces Corey Raymond, who left Indiana to take a position at Nebraska. Although Nebraska hasn't made an official announcement about Raymond, he's expected to replace secondary coach Marvin Sanders, who resigned Thursday.
Indiana also last week hired Nebraska defensive assistant Brett Diersen as defensive tackles coach and Air Force running backs coach Jemal Singleton to the same position. Diersen replaces Jerry Montgomery, who Wilson said left for a position at Michigan.
These appointments complete Wilson's staff for 2011.
NEBRASKA
So far, Sanders' resignation is the only official announcement Bo Pelini has made about his staff. But Wilson said Raymond is on his way to Lincoln, and all signs point to offensive coordinator Shawn Watson and receivers coach Ted Gilmore being on their way out. Nebraska's offensive production dipped toward the end of the 2010 season, and the Huskers' receivers had an up-and-down year.
Multiple media reports from Nebraska state that Pelini might be targeting Oregon receivers coach Scott Frost, the former Huskers' star quarterback, and Notre Dame offensive line coach Ed Warinner as replacements. Warinner served as Kansas' offensive coordinator from 2007-09 and spent time in the Big Ten as Illinois' offensive line coach and run game coordinator from 2005-06.
The interesting part of this is Pelini reportedly will hand over play-calling duties to running backs coach Tim Beck. The Lincoln Journal Star and Omaha World-Herald both report that Frost might not leave Oregon unless it's for a job as a play-caller elsewhere.
Pelini seems to be reshaping his staff before Nebraska's jump to the Big Ten. It will be fascinating to see how things play out in Lincoln.
MICHIGAN
Coach Brady Hoke will finalize his staff Monday and announce the defensive assistants to join coordinator Greg Mattison.
Montgomery is on his way to Ann Arbor, and he'll reportedly be joined by Akron defensive coordinator Curt Mallory on the Michigan staff. Expect Mallory to coach the Wolverines' secondary, while Montgomery will work with the defensive line. Mallory played at Michigan and has spent his entire coaching career in the Midwest, serving as Illinois' secondary coach and co-defensive coordinator from 2007-09. Montgomery played at Iowa and most recently served as Wyoming's defensive line coach.
MICHIGAN STATE
After promoting Dan Roushar to offensive coordinator last week, Mark Dantonio reportedly has found the final member of his staff.
According to The (Mount Pleasant) Morning Sun, Central Michigan receivers coach Terry Samuel has left to take the same position on Michigan State's staff. Samuel, who played wide receiver at Purdue, worked his way up through the FCS ranks before joining former Dantonio assistant Dan Enos at Central Michigan last year.
He'll coach the position group that previous Michigan State offensive coordinator Don Treadwell oversaw. Samuel inherits a deep and talented receiving corps led by B.J. Cunningham and Keshawn Martin.
WISCONSIN
The Badgers lost a key assistant over the weekend as running backs coach John Settle departed for the same position with the Carolina Panthers. Settle did an outstanding job with Wisconsin's running backs, helping to mold standout players like P.J. Hill, John Clay, James White and Montee Ball.
Although Wisconsin always recruits talented backs, Settle leaves some big shoes to fill. It will be interesting to see who coach Bret Bielema hires as his replacement.
Spartans maintain continuity with Roushar
February, 1, 2011
2/01/11
6:50
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Staff continuity has been a hallmark of Mark Dantonio's success at Michigan State.
Dantonio has lost only two assistants during his MSU tenure, and both men (Dan Enos and Don Treadwell) have gone on to head-coaching positions. When it came time to replace Treadwell, the team's offensive coordinator who recently left for the top job at Miami (Ohio), you heard practically no buzz about possible replacements.
That's because Dantonio, not surprisingly, looked to within his staff for a replacement. Michigan State on Tuesday announced that offensive line coach Dan Roushar has been promoted to offensive coordinator.
Roushar, the Spartans' O-line coach for the past four seasons, has served as an offensive coordinator at four schools: Illinois (2004), Northern Illinois (1998-2002), Ball State (1994) and Butler (1989-92).
"He's done this at the Big Ten level," Dantonio said in a video posted on the team's website. "He's coached a multitude of positions: he's coached the offensive line, the tight ends, the quarterbacks, the running backs, so he's got an overall great sense of what we're trying to do. He's very well organized and I think there will continue to be good chemistry in that room, which is important."
Maintaining chemistry, continuity and familiarity with the offensive scheme and the personnel was paramount for Dantonio in finding a replacement.
"Knowing the kids, we've all got a real good idea of who they are, what they do very well and what they need to work on," Roushar said. "So it's going to move us forward quickly."
UPDATE: Mark Staten will take over as Spartans' offensive line coach, while running backs coach Brad Salem becomes the team's recruiting coordinator. Roushar will work with the tight ends, a group Staten previously managed. Michigan State will search for a new assistant to work with the wide receivers, a group Treadwell oversaw.
Michigan State's offense made some strides in 2010, ranking fourth in the league in scoring and third in passing. It'll be important for Roushar to get the run game going as the Spartans' rushing production dropped off during Big Ten play.
I like the hire. Michigan State might have wanted a bigger name, but it's hard to argue with experience and continuity, two qualities Roushar brings to the table.
Dantonio has lost only two assistants during his MSU tenure, and both men (Dan Enos and Don Treadwell) have gone on to head-coaching positions. When it came time to replace Treadwell, the team's offensive coordinator who recently left for the top job at Miami (Ohio), you heard practically no buzz about possible replacements.
That's because Dantonio, not surprisingly, looked to within his staff for a replacement. Michigan State on Tuesday announced that offensive line coach Dan Roushar has been promoted to offensive coordinator.
Roushar, the Spartans' O-line coach for the past four seasons, has served as an offensive coordinator at four schools: Illinois (2004), Northern Illinois (1998-2002), Ball State (1994) and Butler (1989-92).
"He's done this at the Big Ten level," Dantonio said in a video posted on the team's website. "He's coached a multitude of positions: he's coached the offensive line, the tight ends, the quarterbacks, the running backs, so he's got an overall great sense of what we're trying to do. He's very well organized and I think there will continue to be good chemistry in that room, which is important."
Maintaining chemistry, continuity and familiarity with the offensive scheme and the personnel was paramount for Dantonio in finding a replacement.
"Knowing the kids, we've all got a real good idea of who they are, what they do very well and what they need to work on," Roushar said. "So it's going to move us forward quickly."
UPDATE: Mark Staten will take over as Spartans' offensive line coach, while running backs coach Brad Salem becomes the team's recruiting coordinator. Roushar will work with the tight ends, a group Staten previously managed. Michigan State will search for a new assistant to work with the wide receivers, a group Treadwell oversaw.
Michigan State's offense made some strides in 2010, ranking fourth in the league in scoring and third in passing. It'll be important for Roushar to get the run game going as the Spartans' rushing production dropped off during Big Ten play.
I like the hire. Michigan State might have wanted a bigger name, but it's hard to argue with experience and continuity, two qualities Roushar brings to the table.
Treadwell gets well deserved shot at Miami
December, 31, 2010
12/31/10
1:03
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Michigan State will be sad to see Don Treadwell go, but few Big Ten assistants are more deserving of a head-coaching position than Treadwell.
(UPDATED: Statements below)
After four years as Spartans' offensive coordinator, Treadwell has accepted the head-coaching position at Miami (Ohio), his alma mater. He's the second Michigan State assistant to leave for a MAC job in as many seasons; running backs coach Dan Enos went to Central Michigan after last season. Nebraska offensive coordinator Shawn Watson and Ohio State co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Luke Fickell also were in the mix at Miami.
Treadwell's highlight as a Spartans' assistant came this season as he ran the program during Mark Dantonio's health-related absence. He made several gutsy play calls in Michigan State's biggest win of the season, a 34-24 triumph against Wisconsin on Oct. 2 that proved to be the Badgers' only loss.
Arguably no assistant in America played a bigger role in a signature win than Treadwell. He figured to land a top job soon, and Miami (Ohio) is a good spot for him.
Treadwell will coach his last game for Michigan State on Saturday in the Capital One Bowl before moving onto his new gig.
It will be interesting to see where Dantonio turns for a successor. Offensive assistants Dave Warner (quarterbacks), Dan Roushar (offensive line) and Mark Staten (tight ends, recruiting coordinator) all have been with Dantonio for a while, so there's certainly a chance he'll promote one to the coordinator spot.
Michigan State undoubtedly will stick with the pro-style offense that has worked well this season under Treadwell's leadership.
Staff continuity had been a hallmark for Dantonio, so Treadwell's departure presents a bit of a challenge. But I'm sure Dantonio is thrilled to see a top assistant get his shot to run a program.
Here are some statements regarding Treadwell heading to Miami.
Mark Dantonio
"Don Treadwell will be an outstanding head coach - he comes from a great background of coaches and he's ready for this position. He will serve his players well, not only as a coach but as someone they will look up to for the rest of their lives. To go back and do this at his alma mater makes it even more special to him. I know he's extremely excited for this next challenge in his life. We will miss Don and his family deeply here at Michigan State, and I will miss him personally, but this is his opportunity, his time.
"He did a phenomenal job stepping in while I was down, continuing to keep our system in place while showing incredible composure, which is one of his greatest attributes. So often, a team reflects its leader. At that point in time, leadership was thrust upon Don Treadwell. It was thrust upon our players, it was thrust upon all of our coaches, but in particular Coach Tread. They took on that persona of quiet confidence, assurance, and composure. You saw our team play like that, especially in the Wisconsin game, which was maybe our biggest win of the entire season. He was instrumental in helping us build a foundation with our program."
Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis
"Even prior to this year, there was no question Don Treadwell was prepared for a head coaching job. In the unfortunate situation with coach Dantonio, he just shined throughout that entire process, not only holding the team together but being the face to represent Michigan State football publicly. There's no doubt in my mind that he has both the football knowledge and the presence to bring a community together to make Miami's program continue to thrive and get better and better. He's been a head coach with us, and now he'll have his own program to run."
Don Treadwell
"It's a dream come true to return to my alma mater, Miami, as head football coach. Miami has always held a special place in my heart, and the opportunity to be a part of the 'Cradle of Coaches' is a privilege as well as a responsibility. I have a blueprint for success for our student-athletes: in the classroom, on the playing field and in the community. Everyone in the program plays an important role, and with all of us heading in the same direction, we can add a new chapter to the rich tradition of Miami football. I can't wait to roll up my sleeves and get started."
(UPDATED: Statements below)
After four years as Spartans' offensive coordinator, Treadwell has accepted the head-coaching position at Miami (Ohio), his alma mater. He's the second Michigan State assistant to leave for a MAC job in as many seasons; running backs coach Dan Enos went to Central Michigan after last season. Nebraska offensive coordinator Shawn Watson and Ohio State co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Luke Fickell also were in the mix at Miami.
Treadwell's highlight as a Spartans' assistant came this season as he ran the program during Mark Dantonio's health-related absence. He made several gutsy play calls in Michigan State's biggest win of the season, a 34-24 triumph against Wisconsin on Oct. 2 that proved to be the Badgers' only loss.
Arguably no assistant in America played a bigger role in a signature win than Treadwell. He figured to land a top job soon, and Miami (Ohio) is a good spot for him.
Treadwell will coach his last game for Michigan State on Saturday in the Capital One Bowl before moving onto his new gig.
It will be interesting to see where Dantonio turns for a successor. Offensive assistants Dave Warner (quarterbacks), Dan Roushar (offensive line) and Mark Staten (tight ends, recruiting coordinator) all have been with Dantonio for a while, so there's certainly a chance he'll promote one to the coordinator spot.
Michigan State undoubtedly will stick with the pro-style offense that has worked well this season under Treadwell's leadership.
Staff continuity had been a hallmark for Dantonio, so Treadwell's departure presents a bit of a challenge. But I'm sure Dantonio is thrilled to see a top assistant get his shot to run a program.
Here are some statements regarding Treadwell heading to Miami.
Mark Dantonio
"Don Treadwell will be an outstanding head coach - he comes from a great background of coaches and he's ready for this position. He will serve his players well, not only as a coach but as someone they will look up to for the rest of their lives. To go back and do this at his alma mater makes it even more special to him. I know he's extremely excited for this next challenge in his life. We will miss Don and his family deeply here at Michigan State, and I will miss him personally, but this is his opportunity, his time.
"He did a phenomenal job stepping in while I was down, continuing to keep our system in place while showing incredible composure, which is one of his greatest attributes. So often, a team reflects its leader. At that point in time, leadership was thrust upon Don Treadwell. It was thrust upon our players, it was thrust upon all of our coaches, but in particular Coach Tread. They took on that persona of quiet confidence, assurance, and composure. You saw our team play like that, especially in the Wisconsin game, which was maybe our biggest win of the entire season. He was instrumental in helping us build a foundation with our program."
Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis
"Even prior to this year, there was no question Don Treadwell was prepared for a head coaching job. In the unfortunate situation with coach Dantonio, he just shined throughout that entire process, not only holding the team together but being the face to represent Michigan State football publicly. There's no doubt in my mind that he has both the football knowledge and the presence to bring a community together to make Miami's program continue to thrive and get better and better. He's been a head coach with us, and now he'll have his own program to run."
Don Treadwell
"It's a dream come true to return to my alma mater, Miami, as head football coach. Miami has always held a special place in my heart, and the opportunity to be a part of the 'Cradle of Coaches' is a privilege as well as a responsibility. I have a blueprint for success for our student-athletes: in the classroom, on the playing field and in the community. Everyone in the program plays an important role, and with all of us heading in the same direction, we can add a new chapter to the rich tradition of Miami football. I can't wait to roll up my sleeves and get started."
Mark Dantonio recovering after heart attack
September, 19, 2010
9/19/10
1:56
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
When I received a call this morning saying Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio suffered a possible heart attack after Saturday night's dramatic win against Notre Dame, I thought it couldn't be true.
Sure, the excitement of college football reached a fever pitch as Michigan State executed a fake field-goal attempt to beat Notre Dame 34-31 in overtime. Spartan Stadium was going absolutely nuts.
But Dantonio? He looked calm and collected on the sideline, the least surprised person in East Lansing. He had just made the Call of the Year in college football, and he barely flinched.
It's amazing how life can change in a matter of hours.
Dantonio indeed suffered a heart attack following the game and underwent a procedure early Sunday to have a metallic stent inserted to open a blocked blood vessel leading to his heart. The 54-year-old is hospitalized in East Lansing and will remain there for several days. Offensive coordinator Don Treadwell has taken over the head-coaching duties during Dantonio's absence.
Dr. Chris D'Haem, a cardiologist at Sparrow Hospital, said Dantonio began experiencing symptoms of a heart attack around 12:30 a.m. Sunday. Dantonio came into the hospital immediately and underwent what D'Haem calls a "relatively common procedure."
The prognosis is very favorable, and D'Haem expects Dantonio to make a full recovery with no long-term negative impact. There's no such thing as a minor heart attack in my book, but it's wonderful to hear that Dantonio is OK and should be fine.
The coach had no known history of heart problems, but as we've learned in recent years, coaching college football can take a toll on one's health.
"Stress doesn't cause coronary heart disease, but very stressful events can be a trigger," D'Haem said at a news conference in East Lansing.
I think we'd all agree Saturday night's game qualified as a stressful event.
Dantonio's health situation certainly puts everything in perspective for a Michigan State program riding high after the Notre Dame game. Everyone wants to know when he'll be back, but his health should be the only priority right now. There's no sense in rushing back.
Treadwell is a veteran assistant who has been in the mix for several head-coaching jobs, including those at Boston College and Miami (Ohio). Dantonio's staff at MSU has seen amazingly little turnover; Dan Enos' departure for the top job at Central Michigan this winter marked the first change.
Athletic director Mark Hollis reiterated Sunday that while Dantonio's return is unknown, Dantonio remains the program's head coach.
Big Ten coaches have been echoing their support for Dantonio on Twitter, including Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald and Penn State assistant Jay Paterno.
Best of luck to Dantonio during his recovery. While the past 15 hours at Michigan State have been shocking for a number of reasons, knowing Dantonio, I'd be more surprised not to see him get healthy and get back where he belongs on the sideline.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Al GoldisMichigan State coach Mark Dantonio is hospitalized in East Lansing and will remain there for several days.
AP Photo/Al GoldisMichigan State coach Mark Dantonio is hospitalized in East Lansing and will remain there for several days.But Dantonio? He looked calm and collected on the sideline, the least surprised person in East Lansing. He had just made the Call of the Year in college football, and he barely flinched.
It's amazing how life can change in a matter of hours.
Dantonio indeed suffered a heart attack following the game and underwent a procedure early Sunday to have a metallic stent inserted to open a blocked blood vessel leading to his heart. The 54-year-old is hospitalized in East Lansing and will remain there for several days. Offensive coordinator Don Treadwell has taken over the head-coaching duties during Dantonio's absence.
Dr. Chris D'Haem, a cardiologist at Sparrow Hospital, said Dantonio began experiencing symptoms of a heart attack around 12:30 a.m. Sunday. Dantonio came into the hospital immediately and underwent what D'Haem calls a "relatively common procedure."
“The procedure was successful and blood flow to the heart muscle was restored," D'Haem said in a statement released through Michigan State. "I'm very pleased with the outcome of the procedure. Coach Dantonio is resting comfortably following his procedure and is expected to make a full recovery. He is young, in excellent shape, and the damage to his heart was minimal. Coach Dantonio made the right decision to come in and get checked out immediately.”
The prognosis is very favorable, and D'Haem expects Dantonio to make a full recovery with no long-term negative impact. There's no such thing as a minor heart attack in my book, but it's wonderful to hear that Dantonio is OK and should be fine.
The coach had no known history of heart problems, but as we've learned in recent years, coaching college football can take a toll on one's health.
"Stress doesn't cause coronary heart disease, but very stressful events can be a trigger," D'Haem said at a news conference in East Lansing.
I think we'd all agree Saturday night's game qualified as a stressful event.
Dantonio's health situation certainly puts everything in perspective for a Michigan State program riding high after the Notre Dame game. Everyone wants to know when he'll be back, but his health should be the only priority right now. There's no sense in rushing back.
Treadwell is a veteran assistant who has been in the mix for several head-coaching jobs, including those at Boston College and Miami (Ohio). Dantonio's staff at MSU has seen amazingly little turnover; Dan Enos' departure for the top job at Central Michigan this winter marked the first change.
Athletic director Mark Hollis reiterated Sunday that while Dantonio's return is unknown, Dantonio remains the program's head coach.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach D and his family,” Treadwell said in a statement. “We wish him a full and speedy recovery, so he can rejoin us on the sidelines. In the interim, the vast majority of this coaching staff has been together for seven years, so we won’t miss a beat as we move forward and build upon the momentum of last night’s thrilling victory.”
Big Ten coaches have been echoing their support for Dantonio on Twitter, including Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald and Penn State assistant Jay Paterno.
Best of luck to Dantonio during his recovery. While the past 15 hours at Michigan State have been shocking for a number of reasons, knowing Dantonio, I'd be more surprised not to see him get healthy and get back where he belongs on the sideline.
Schedule: The Spartans hit the field for their first preseason practice today at 3:30 p.m. ET.
What's new: Mark Dantonio made his first staff change in quite some time, as he hired running backs coach Brad Salem to replace Dan Enos, who left to become Central Michigan's head coach. The Spartans are transitioning to a 3-4 alignment on defense as they look to maximize their talent there. Keith Nichol, who spent most of the 2009 season as Michigan State's No. 2 quarterback, has a new position: wide receiver. Although Michigan State has good depth at receiver, Nichol enters the season as a projected starter.
Sidelined: The Spartans are relatively healthy entering camp. Offensive tackle Henry Conway is fully cleared to practice after sustaining a neck injury. Linebacker Justin Wilson, an 2010 recruit, isn't on the roster and will spend time at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas. The December on-campus assault involving Spartans players resulted in the departures of several players, including nose tackle Oren Wilson.
Key battle: Offensive line is a group to watch this month, and especially the competition at right tackle. Senior J'Michael Deane and junior Jared McGaha are listed as co-starters on the preseason depth chart. Conway, who generated some buzz before his neck injury, should be right in the mix. Another battle takes place at kicker, as Kevin Muma and Dan Conroy try to replace standout Brett Swenson.
New on the scene: Michigan State's recent recruiting success is well documented, and the coaches should see the fruits of their labor this fall. Two incoming recruits, William Gholston and Max Bullough, will enter the rotation at linebacker right away. Running backs Nick Hill and LeVeon Bell also might work their way into the mix.
Back in the fold: Johnny Adams started two games at cornerback as a freshman in 2008 before missing 10 games last fall with a shoulder injury. Granted a medical hardship, Adams returns and enters camp as a projected starter. Michigan State's secondary really needs playmakers, and Adams could provide a big boost this fall.
Breaking out: Keshawn Martin made the most of his touches in 2009, averaging 22.8 yards per reception, 28.9 yards per kick return and 7.4 yards per punt return. Michigan State will make a much stronger effort to get the ball in Martin's hands this fall. All-American Greg Jones is the leader on defense, but the Spartans also need promising young players like Jerel Worthy, Blake Treadwell, Trenton Robinson and Adams to step up.
Quotable: "We have a lot of experience back. That speaks to our leadership as a program and as a team right now. From the way our players have worked thus far and winter workouts, spring practice and now summer conditioning, it would not seem that we're overconfident. We have some things that we need to prove. I think that's very evident." -- head coach Mark Dantonio
What's new: Mark Dantonio made his first staff change in quite some time, as he hired running backs coach Brad Salem to replace Dan Enos, who left to become Central Michigan's head coach. The Spartans are transitioning to a 3-4 alignment on defense as they look to maximize their talent there. Keith Nichol, who spent most of the 2009 season as Michigan State's No. 2 quarterback, has a new position: wide receiver. Although Michigan State has good depth at receiver, Nichol enters the season as a projected starter.
Sidelined: The Spartans are relatively healthy entering camp. Offensive tackle Henry Conway is fully cleared to practice after sustaining a neck injury. Linebacker Justin Wilson, an 2010 recruit, isn't on the roster and will spend time at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas. The December on-campus assault involving Spartans players resulted in the departures of several players, including nose tackle Oren Wilson.
Key battle: Offensive line is a group to watch this month, and especially the competition at right tackle. Senior J'Michael Deane and junior Jared McGaha are listed as co-starters on the preseason depth chart. Conway, who generated some buzz before his neck injury, should be right in the mix. Another battle takes place at kicker, as Kevin Muma and Dan Conroy try to replace standout Brett Swenson.
New on the scene: Michigan State's recent recruiting success is well documented, and the coaches should see the fruits of their labor this fall. Two incoming recruits, William Gholston and Max Bullough, will enter the rotation at linebacker right away. Running backs Nick Hill and LeVeon Bell also might work their way into the mix.
Back in the fold: Johnny Adams started two games at cornerback as a freshman in 2008 before missing 10 games last fall with a shoulder injury. Granted a medical hardship, Adams returns and enters camp as a projected starter. Michigan State's secondary really needs playmakers, and Adams could provide a big boost this fall.
Breaking out: Keshawn Martin made the most of his touches in 2009, averaging 22.8 yards per reception, 28.9 yards per kick return and 7.4 yards per punt return. Michigan State will make a much stronger effort to get the ball in Martin's hands this fall. All-American Greg Jones is the leader on defense, but the Spartans also need promising young players like Jerel Worthy, Blake Treadwell, Trenton Robinson and Adams to step up.
Quotable: "We have a lot of experience back. That speaks to our leadership as a program and as a team right now. From the way our players have worked thus far and winter workouts, spring practice and now summer conditioning, it would not seem that we're overconfident. We have some things that we need to prove. I think that's very evident." -- head coach Mark Dantonio
You should already know this, but Big Ten media days begin Monday. The top three teams and preseason players of the year are announced Monday morning, so check the blog early and often. It'll be worth it.
As always, contact me here and follow me on Twitter.
Kurt from Chesapeake, Va., writes: Adam,You mentioned that one of the issues that will be discussed at the Big Ten Meetings will be the possibility of going to a nine-game conference schedule. Why would the Big Ten do this? To me, I see nothing but downfalls to this, including: 1. Big Ten teams will play an un-even number of home and road games, a trend that would be reversed every season. 2. Big Ten teams will have more potential losses, which could and would hurt bowl selections. 3. In the season that a Big Ten team would have five conference away games, there is less likelihood that the team will schedule tough non-conference games, and it would be almost guaranteed that if the Big Ten team does schedule an "A" level opponent, it would have to be at home. 4. Having nine conference games, then that would possibly cut into revenue from eliminating a non-conference game. 5. Adding another conference game would take away from the "prep" non-conference schedule where a team is able to "prepare themselves" for the conference slate. What do you think about this?
Adam Rittenberg: Kurt, do you mind if I copy your photonote and pass it out to the Big Ten coaches on Monday? Because you outline many of the reasons why the coaches might not be excited about the prospect of a nine-game Big Ten schedule. It means six more losses for the league, five conference road games every other year for each team, and most likely fewer bowl appearances. From the coaches' perspective, it's probably not a good idea. But for the athletic directors, it makes sense for a number of other reasons. It eases the burden of nonconference scheduling and likely reduces the number of guarantee games they pay for FCS or lower-tier FBS opponents. More important, it gives the ADs a more attractive home schedule every other year to sell to fans. A schedule with five Big Ten home dates looks a lot more attractive than one including Towson, Eastern Michigan and Arkansas State. Your point about potential lost revenue could be offset by increased revenue from a better schedule. To get the ADs' perspective, check out what Purdue athletic director Morgan Burke told me. Bottom line: a nine-game Big Ten schedule will be discussed next week, and the AD's ultimately have more say here.
Andrew from Madison, Wis., writes: Hey Adam - loving the hope/concern series! Seems like the secondary is a concern for a lot of teams in the Big 10 for this upcoming season. Seems like Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State and Illinois are all either coming off poor performances last season or lost some major talents in the off season. Is this just a coincidence for this season or is there a specific reason why this position group seems poised to under perform across the big 10?
Adam Rittenberg: Andrew, that's a great observation. The Big Ten retains some great defensive backs like Iowa's Tyler Sash, but secondary could be a weak spot for the league this season. Among the big losses are Iowa's Amari Spievey, Northwestern's Sherrick McManis and Brad Phillips, Michigan's Donovan Warren, Wisconsin's Chris Maragos, Ohio State's Kurt Coleman, Minnesota's Traye Simmons and Purdue's Torri Williams. It'll be very interesting to see how certain groups bounce back. Can Purdue replace all four starters? Will Iowa find a shut-down corner like Spievey? Can Northwestern avoid a relapse? Will Michigan State be younger but better in the back four? We'll find out soon enough.
Dale from San Marcos, Texas, writes: Can I get your personal opinion on RFR running back Jamaal Berry? What are his strengths and how does he measure compared to the other Ohio State backs? For instance when QUIZZ Rodgers arrived at Oregon State, his coach said it took about 3 seconds to know he was a player. Berry didn't even play in the Spring Game for Ohio State after sitting out a year. He's like a riddle wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma. Oh wait that's Russia. I'm perplexed.
Adam Rittenberg: I like the analogy, Dale. As for Berry, Ohio State fans seem to be obsessed with this guy. I've only seen him a few times in practice, and I was neither blown away nor disappointed by him. He was OK. We just have to wait and see if he can make up ground in preseason camp, because right now Brandon Saine and Dan Herron are the bell cows for Jim Tressel. Berry certainly comes in with some impressive credentials, but he's got to stay healthy after nagging hamstring problems last fall and really challenge Saine, Herron and Jordan Hall (don't forget about him) for carries.
Lance from Greensboro, N.C., writes: Welcome back! Two things: When the BT expanded, I thought a championship game was a no brainer. But now I've heard a very intriguing idea - play nine conference games, and schedule the rivalry games on the first Saturday in December. This solves the "out-of-sight, out-of-mind" problem with not playing after Thanksgiving, but also avoids the championship loser out of the BCS problem. Plus, some of the rivalry games could prove more attractive than other conference championship games. What do you think? Thanks!
Adam Rittenberg: Lance, I've heard the same idea from people within the Big Ten. You add two bye weeks to the schedule and finish in early December, much like the Pac-10 does right now. There's certainly a contingent of coaches around the country who don't love league championship games, but there's also a ton of support for these events and lots of money to be made. Can a wealthy league like the Big Ten afford to stiff-arm millions and maybe help its second-place team reach BCS bowls every year? Sure. But I still think you'll see a title game when all is said and done.
Seann from Fort Collins, Colo., writes: Hi Adam. Thanks for the updates on the blog. What do you think about the Spartans' recruiting for the 2010 and 2011 classes? It seems like they are doing a better job competing for some of the top talent. A few years ago if you asked a top recruit if he wanted to go to Michigan or Michigan State he probably would have looked at you weird. Now it seems like state is in the mix. Do you think Mark Dantonio has improved the recruiting at state for the long term?
Adam Rittenberg: I really like what Mark Dantonio and his staff have done with local and regional recruiting. It's the right approach, and they've gone about it in a very effective way. Michigan State is consistently putting itself in the top half of the league in recruiting and, in some years, in the top three. I know the Michigan State/Michigan local recruiting debate makes for good fodder, but the truth is both programs have done pretty well and improved themselves. One potential concern for Michigan State is the departure of Dan Enos to Central Michigan. Enos really spearheaded the team's recruiting efforts in the Detroit area, and the other coaches need to pick up the slack.
As always, contact me here and follow me on Twitter.
Kurt from Chesapeake, Va., writes: Adam,You mentioned that one of the issues that will be discussed at the Big Ten Meetings will be the possibility of going to a nine-game conference schedule. Why would the Big Ten do this? To me, I see nothing but downfalls to this, including: 1. Big Ten teams will play an un-even number of home and road games, a trend that would be reversed every season. 2. Big Ten teams will have more potential losses, which could and would hurt bowl selections. 3. In the season that a Big Ten team would have five conference away games, there is less likelihood that the team will schedule tough non-conference games, and it would be almost guaranteed that if the Big Ten team does schedule an "A" level opponent, it would have to be at home. 4. Having nine conference games, then that would possibly cut into revenue from eliminating a non-conference game. 5. Adding another conference game would take away from the "prep" non-conference schedule where a team is able to "prepare themselves" for the conference slate. What do you think about this?
Adam Rittenberg: Kurt, do you mind if I copy your photonote and pass it out to the Big Ten coaches on Monday? Because you outline many of the reasons why the coaches might not be excited about the prospect of a nine-game Big Ten schedule. It means six more losses for the league, five conference road games every other year for each team, and most likely fewer bowl appearances. From the coaches' perspective, it's probably not a good idea. But for the athletic directors, it makes sense for a number of other reasons. It eases the burden of nonconference scheduling and likely reduces the number of guarantee games they pay for FCS or lower-tier FBS opponents. More important, it gives the ADs a more attractive home schedule every other year to sell to fans. A schedule with five Big Ten home dates looks a lot more attractive than one including Towson, Eastern Michigan and Arkansas State. Your point about potential lost revenue could be offset by increased revenue from a better schedule. To get the ADs' perspective, check out what Purdue athletic director Morgan Burke told me. Bottom line: a nine-game Big Ten schedule will be discussed next week, and the AD's ultimately have more say here.
Andrew from Madison, Wis., writes: Hey Adam - loving the hope/concern series! Seems like the secondary is a concern for a lot of teams in the Big 10 for this upcoming season. Seems like Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State and Illinois are all either coming off poor performances last season or lost some major talents in the off season. Is this just a coincidence for this season or is there a specific reason why this position group seems poised to under perform across the big 10?
Adam Rittenberg: Andrew, that's a great observation. The Big Ten retains some great defensive backs like Iowa's Tyler Sash, but secondary could be a weak spot for the league this season. Among the big losses are Iowa's Amari Spievey, Northwestern's Sherrick McManis and Brad Phillips, Michigan's Donovan Warren, Wisconsin's Chris Maragos, Ohio State's Kurt Coleman, Minnesota's Traye Simmons and Purdue's Torri Williams. It'll be very interesting to see how certain groups bounce back. Can Purdue replace all four starters? Will Iowa find a shut-down corner like Spievey? Can Northwestern avoid a relapse? Will Michigan State be younger but better in the back four? We'll find out soon enough.
Dale from San Marcos, Texas, writes: Can I get your personal opinion on RFR running back Jamaal Berry? What are his strengths and how does he measure compared to the other Ohio State backs? For instance when QUIZZ Rodgers arrived at Oregon State, his coach said it took about 3 seconds to know he was a player. Berry didn't even play in the Spring Game for Ohio State after sitting out a year. He's like a riddle wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma. Oh wait that's Russia. I'm perplexed.
Adam Rittenberg: I like the analogy, Dale. As for Berry, Ohio State fans seem to be obsessed with this guy. I've only seen him a few times in practice, and I was neither blown away nor disappointed by him. He was OK. We just have to wait and see if he can make up ground in preseason camp, because right now Brandon Saine and Dan Herron are the bell cows for Jim Tressel. Berry certainly comes in with some impressive credentials, but he's got to stay healthy after nagging hamstring problems last fall and really challenge Saine, Herron and Jordan Hall (don't forget about him) for carries.
Lance from Greensboro, N.C., writes: Welcome back! Two things: When the BT expanded, I thought a championship game was a no brainer. But now I've heard a very intriguing idea - play nine conference games, and schedule the rivalry games on the first Saturday in December. This solves the "out-of-sight, out-of-mind" problem with not playing after Thanksgiving, but also avoids the championship loser out of the BCS problem. Plus, some of the rivalry games could prove more attractive than other conference championship games. What do you think? Thanks!
Adam Rittenberg: Lance, I've heard the same idea from people within the Big Ten. You add two bye weeks to the schedule and finish in early December, much like the Pac-10 does right now. There's certainly a contingent of coaches around the country who don't love league championship games, but there's also a ton of support for these events and lots of money to be made. Can a wealthy league like the Big Ten afford to stiff-arm millions and maybe help its second-place team reach BCS bowls every year? Sure. But I still think you'll see a title game when all is said and done.
Seann from Fort Collins, Colo., writes: Hi Adam. Thanks for the updates on the blog. What do you think about the Spartans' recruiting for the 2010 and 2011 classes? It seems like they are doing a better job competing for some of the top talent. A few years ago if you asked a top recruit if he wanted to go to Michigan or Michigan State he probably would have looked at you weird. Now it seems like state is in the mix. Do you think Mark Dantonio has improved the recruiting at state for the long term?
Adam Rittenberg: I really like what Mark Dantonio and his staff have done with local and regional recruiting. It's the right approach, and they've gone about it in a very effective way. Michigan State is consistently putting itself in the top half of the league in recruiting and, in some years, in the top three. I know the Michigan State/Michigan local recruiting debate makes for good fodder, but the truth is both programs have done pretty well and improved themselves. One potential concern for Michigan State is the departure of Dan Enos to Central Michigan. Enos really spearheaded the team's recruiting efforts in the Detroit area, and the other coaches need to pick up the slack.
Big Ten Q&A: Michigan State's Brad Salem
March, 3, 2010
3/03/10
5:00
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Mark Dantonio attributes much of his success at both Cincinnati and Michigan State to staff continuity, as he has been able to keep his assistants together. But for the first time in his Michigan State tenure, Dantonio had to replace an assistant after running backs coach Dan Enos left in January for the top job at Central Michigan. Dantonio settled on Brad Salem, a former MSU graduate assistant who spent the last five years as head coach at Division II Augustana College in South Dakota. Salem will oversee a running back group led by talented sophomores Larry Caper and Edwin Baker, but a group that loses several players from 2009.
I had the chance to catch up with Salem on Wednesday as he settled into his new job.
I know you had some ties to coach Dantonio. Are there a lot of familiar faces at Michigan State from your first stint there?
Brad Salem: Yeah, absolutely. That's the neat part. A lot of the support staff were here when I was here before, so there's obviously comfort in that, the people that take care of you.
What's the biggest adjustment from being a head coach in D-II to a position coach at this level?
Salem: It's the dynamics of being in charge of 100 guys [at Augustana] to a position coach, where there's anywhere from eight to 12, depending on what you recruit. I'm excited about the change, from the aspect of you get to focus on those guys. You almost get back a little bit more into the coaching role, the technique and the fundamentals of coaching a position.
Was it your goal to get back to the FBS level?
Salem: As an opportunity, it's something you can't pass up. I was very fortunate to be a head coach at a young age and follow in the footsteps of my dad. My father was a coach for 22 years. One of the things in coaching is you can't control the dynamics of where you go and when. That's what you understand. That process is out of your hands, so when opportunities like this present themselves, you get very excited to come back to a place you were 15 years ago. Knowing coach Dantonio and what he stands for, it's great to be a part of that, to be a part of something special.
How much did you work with the running game and specifically the running backs at Augustana?
Salem: As a head coach, I jumped around to different positions. I was on the offensive side, calling plays, so wherever there was a need, whether it was running backs, QBs or receivers, I was piecing it all together and coaching young coaches and teaching them those positions. You're familiar with [running back], absolutely, as one of the skill positions on offense.
How familiar are you with the running backs at Michigan State? Have you had a chance to look at tape or talk to them?
Salem: Yeah, I had the chance to meet them and watch them in workouts, doing the offseason stuff, and just seeing the cutups and seeing what their ability is. You've got two real special kids [Caper and Baker], and to get experience in the Big Ten as a freshman, there's a lot of value in it. They're going to just continue to grow as you go through spring ball and jump into the fall.
What are your early impressions of those two, Caper and Baker?
Salem: They can definitely be special backs. They both have unique styles, a little bit different from one another. But the great thing is, just getting to know them a little bit, is there's really a unique relationship. Very competitive, but they're even going to room [together] next year, and they're guys who understand being part of a team and part of a family. By size, Larry is a bigger guy, powerful, very good hands coming out of the backfield. There's maybe a little more quickness with Edwin, but you've got to watch a little bit more and study them. I'll find out more about that as we go through the spring.
Are numbers at all a concern for you because you'll be down a few guys from 2009 [Caulton Ray, Andre Anderson, Ashton Leggett, Glenn Winston]?
Salem: For spring, we're sitting pretty good. We've got some real solid guys at the fullback position, and then we've got the two early entry kids, Nick Hill and Leveon Bell. So those two incoming freshmen are here right now, so it gives us at least four tailbacks. Numbers are not the issue at my position, which is nice.
From a recruiting standpoint, you're replacing Dan, who was a great recruiter and really helped Michigan State. How has it been with recruiting and reconnecting in that area?
Salem: As a head coach, you're closing the deal and overseeing the whole process, recruiting the Midwest in that respect. Recruiting is the No. 1 issue with any program, and you've got to be able to do that and be successful because it's the kids that you get in your program. The approach here is it's very much a team-oriented recruiting process with the regional coach and then the position coach and then obviously the head coach to close the deal. So you fit in as we divide up areas. But I'm really excited to get going in the recruiting aspect of this job.
Have you talked about which regions you'll recruit?
Salem: We're just dividing up now. Each of us will get a piece of Michigan and then a secondary area. We're still trying to figure out where that'll be in the Midwest. You've just got to capture these kids in the region first. That's the priority. And you go from there. I'm touching base, e-mailing, calling the local guys right now, just so they see who I am.
I had the chance to catch up with Salem on Wednesday as he settled into his new job.
I know you had some ties to coach Dantonio. Are there a lot of familiar faces at Michigan State from your first stint there?
Brad Salem: Yeah, absolutely. That's the neat part. A lot of the support staff were here when I was here before, so there's obviously comfort in that, the people that take care of you.
What's the biggest adjustment from being a head coach in D-II to a position coach at this level?
Salem: It's the dynamics of being in charge of 100 guys [at Augustana] to a position coach, where there's anywhere from eight to 12, depending on what you recruit. I'm excited about the change, from the aspect of you get to focus on those guys. You almost get back a little bit more into the coaching role, the technique and the fundamentals of coaching a position.
Was it your goal to get back to the FBS level?
Salem: As an opportunity, it's something you can't pass up. I was very fortunate to be a head coach at a young age and follow in the footsteps of my dad. My father was a coach for 22 years. One of the things in coaching is you can't control the dynamics of where you go and when. That's what you understand. That process is out of your hands, so when opportunities like this present themselves, you get very excited to come back to a place you were 15 years ago. Knowing coach Dantonio and what he stands for, it's great to be a part of that, to be a part of something special.
How much did you work with the running game and specifically the running backs at Augustana?
Salem: As a head coach, I jumped around to different positions. I was on the offensive side, calling plays, so wherever there was a need, whether it was running backs, QBs or receivers, I was piecing it all together and coaching young coaches and teaching them those positions. You're familiar with [running back], absolutely, as one of the skill positions on offense.
How familiar are you with the running backs at Michigan State? Have you had a chance to look at tape or talk to them?
Salem: Yeah, I had the chance to meet them and watch them in workouts, doing the offseason stuff, and just seeing the cutups and seeing what their ability is. You've got two real special kids [Caper and Baker], and to get experience in the Big Ten as a freshman, there's a lot of value in it. They're going to just continue to grow as you go through spring ball and jump into the fall.
What are your early impressions of those two, Caper and Baker?
Salem: They can definitely be special backs. They both have unique styles, a little bit different from one another. But the great thing is, just getting to know them a little bit, is there's really a unique relationship. Very competitive, but they're even going to room [together] next year, and they're guys who understand being part of a team and part of a family. By size, Larry is a bigger guy, powerful, very good hands coming out of the backfield. There's maybe a little more quickness with Edwin, but you've got to watch a little bit more and study them. I'll find out more about that as we go through the spring.
Are numbers at all a concern for you because you'll be down a few guys from 2009 [Caulton Ray, Andre Anderson, Ashton Leggett, Glenn Winston]?
Salem: For spring, we're sitting pretty good. We've got some real solid guys at the fullback position, and then we've got the two early entry kids, Nick Hill and Leveon Bell. So those two incoming freshmen are here right now, so it gives us at least four tailbacks. Numbers are not the issue at my position, which is nice.
From a recruiting standpoint, you're replacing Dan, who was a great recruiter and really helped Michigan State. How has it been with recruiting and reconnecting in that area?
Salem: As a head coach, you're closing the deal and overseeing the whole process, recruiting the Midwest in that respect. Recruiting is the No. 1 issue with any program, and you've got to be able to do that and be successful because it's the kids that you get in your program. The approach here is it's very much a team-oriented recruiting process with the regional coach and then the position coach and then obviously the head coach to close the deal. So you fit in as we divide up areas. But I'm really excited to get going in the recruiting aspect of this job.
Have you talked about which regions you'll recruit?
Salem: We're just dividing up now. Each of us will get a piece of Michigan and then a secondary area. We're still trying to figure out where that'll be in the Midwest. You've just got to capture these kids in the region first. That's the priority. And you go from there. I'm touching base, e-mailing, calling the local guys right now, just so they see who I am.
Recapping the Big Ten coaching changes
March, 2, 2010
3/02/10
9:00
AM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
The Big Ten was the only major conference to avoid head-coaching changes this offseason, but the league certainly had its share of staff shuffling with assistants coming and going. Indiana's hiring of Mo Moriarity as offensive line coach on Monday marked one of the last turns on this year's Big Ten coaching carousel. Wisconsin still needs to hire a defensive assistant, but things are just about wrapped up.
Barring any late coaching changes, here's a look at who's gone, who's back and who's in new roles.
ILLINOIS
Offensive coordinator
Offensive line coach
No staff changes, but recruiting coordinator Eric Johnson was named tight ends coach. Wide receivers coach Erik Campbell previously had worked with the tight ends, while Johnson had helped Darrell Wilson with the linebackers.
MICHIGAN
Linebackers coach
Running backs coach
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach
No coaching changes
OHIO STATE
No coaching changes
PENN STATE
No coaching changes
PURDUE
Defensive line coach
Defensive backs coach
Barring any late coaching changes, here's a look at who's gone, who's back and who's in new roles.
ILLINOIS
Offensive coordinator
- Who's out: Mike Schultz (fired)
- Who's in: Paul Petrino (previously offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach at Arkansas)
- Who's out: Dan Disch and Curt Mallory both were demoted to position coaches. Disch is staying on staff as linebackers coach.
- Who's in: Vic Koenning (previously co-defensive coordinator at Kansas State)
- Who's out: Kurt Beathard (fired)
- Who's in: Jeff Brohm (previously quarterbacks coach at Florida Atlantic)
- Who's out: Jim Pry (fired)
- Who's in: Greg Nord (previously running backs coach/recruiting coordinator at Louisville)
- Who's out: Reggie Mitchell (left to become running backs coach/recruiting coordinator at Kansas)
- Who's in: DeAndre Smith (previously running backs coach at UNLV)
- Mallory left his position as secondary coach to become defensive coordinator at Akron.
- Special-teams coordinator Mike Woodford was fired along with Schultz, Beathard and Pry.
- Ron West was hired as a defensive assistant. His official responsibilities have not been announced.
Offensive line coach
- Who's out: Bobby Johnson (left to become assistant offensive line coach with the Buffalo Bills)
- Who's in: Myron "Mo" Moriarity (previously served as head coach at Carmel (Ind.) High School
No staff changes, but recruiting coordinator Eric Johnson was named tight ends coach. Wide receivers coach Erik Campbell previously had worked with the tight ends, while Johnson had helped Darrell Wilson with the linebackers.
MICHIGAN
Linebackers coach
- Who's out: Jay Hopson (left to become defensive coordinator at Memphis)
- Who's in: Quality control assistant Adam Braithwaite was promoted to outside linebackers/strong safeties coach. Defensive coordinator Greg Robinson will take a more active role with the linebackers in 2010.
- Secondary coach Tony Gibson will continue to work with cornerbacks and free safeties, and also serve as special-teams coordinator.
Running backs coach
- Who's out: Dan Enos (left to become head coach at Central Michigan)
- Who's in: Brad Salem (previously served as head coach at Augustana College)
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach
- Who's out: Jedd Fisch (left to become quarterbacks coach with the Seattle Seahawks)
- Who's in: Jeff Horton (previously served as quarterbacks coach with the Detroit Lions)
- Who's out: Richard Hightower (left to become assistant special-teams coach for the Washington Redskins)
- Who's in: Steve Watson (previously served as associate head coach with the Denver Broncos in 2008)
- Running backs coach Thomas Hammock was named co-offensive coordinator
No coaching changes
OHIO STATE
No coaching changes
PENN STATE
No coaching changes
PURDUE
Defensive line coach
- Who's out: Terrell Williams (left to become defensive line coach at Texas A&M)
- Who's in: Gary Emanuel (previously served as defensive line coach at Rutgers). Emanuel also was named co-defensive coordinator with a focus on run defense.
Defensive backs coach
- Who's out: Kerry Cooks (left to become outside linebackers coach at Notre Dame)
- Who's in: Chris Ash (previously served as defensive backs coach/recruiting coordinator at Iowa State)
- Randall McCray, who served as Wisconsin's recruiting coordinator and assistant secondary coach, left to become defensive coordinator at Middle Tennessee. Wisconsin has yet to fill the vacancy.
Spartans name Salem as RBs coach
February, 19, 2010
2/19/10
6:28
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
My apologies for posting this a bit late, but Michigan State on Friday filled its lone staff vacancy by naming Brad Salem as running backs coach.
Salem, a former graduate assistant for the Spartans, spent the past five seasons as head coach of Division II Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. He replaces Dan Enos, who left in January to become Central Michigan's new head coach.
Salem, who went 31-26 at Augustana, served as a grad assistant at Michigan State from 1994-96, working alongside Dantonio his last two years. He has been at multiple high schools and also did a stint in the European Professional League. Most of his experience has been in South Dakota, both at Augustana and the University of South Dakota.
This is an interesting choice for Michigan State and Dantonio, who hasn't had to replace an assistant in a while. Enos was one of the Big Ten's top recruiters and helped Michigan State improve its presence in the Detroit area. Salem will have huge shoes to fill from a recruiting standpoint, and he hasn't been in the area for a while. But his background as a former high school coach could be beneficial as he tries to build relationships in the state.
Salem takes over a running back group led by promising sophomores Larry Caper and Edwin Baker. The Spartans lost two running backs -- Glenn Winston and Ashton Leggett -- after the residence hall mess, so Caper and Baker seemingly will be carrying the load for the foreseeable future.
Salem, a former graduate assistant for the Spartans, spent the past five seasons as head coach of Division II Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. He replaces Dan Enos, who left in January to become Central Michigan's new head coach.
"The fact that Brad has a Spartan background is extremely important to us," head coach Mark Dantonio said in a statement. "He spent two years on the Michigan State campus as a graduate assistant under outstanding head coaches George Perles and Nick Saban and had the opportunity to work directly with some excellent offensive minds in Morris Watts and Gary Tranquill. ... He's an innovative offensive coach, outstanding teacher and communicator."
Salem, who went 31-26 at Augustana, served as a grad assistant at Michigan State from 1994-96, working alongside Dantonio his last two years. He has been at multiple high schools and also did a stint in the European Professional League. Most of his experience has been in South Dakota, both at Augustana and the University of South Dakota.
“I’m thrilled to be headed back to Michigan State, especially to work with Mark Dantonio, who has been a positive influence in my life," Salem said in a statement. "I’m also excited about the opportunity to work with a great coaching staff along with a talented football team. Coach Dantonio and his staff have put together outstanding recruiting classes back-to-back.
"After spending three years as a graduate assistant at Michigan State, I have great passion for the school, and this institution will sell itself to prospects throughout the Midwest. Michigan State has it all: a great coaching staff, remarkable football facilities, a beautiful campus and outstanding academic programs. I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work."
This is an interesting choice for Michigan State and Dantonio, who hasn't had to replace an assistant in a while. Enos was one of the Big Ten's top recruiters and helped Michigan State improve its presence in the Detroit area. Salem will have huge shoes to fill from a recruiting standpoint, and he hasn't been in the area for a while. But his background as a former high school coach could be beneficial as he tries to build relationships in the state.
Salem takes over a running back group led by promising sophomores Larry Caper and Edwin Baker. The Spartans lost two running backs -- Glenn Winston and Ashton Leggett -- after the residence hall mess, so Caper and Baker seemingly will be carrying the load for the foreseeable future.
Questions, comments and answers.
Mike W. from East Lansing, Mich., writes: Adam,I just read that Dan Enos will be the new head coach at Central Michigan. How big of a loss is that for Michigan State? I know Enos is one of the best coaches on Dantonio's staff, but more importantly--the best recruiter. What impact is this going to have for MSU?
Adam Rittenberg: Enos is a major loss from a recruiting standpoint, especially after his good work in Detroit and the surrounding areas. The good thing is that Enos re-established ties between a lot of the top high school programs and Michigan State. It's now up to head coach Mark Dantonio and the remaining assistants to keep those relationships strong, especially since archrival Michigan has geared much of its recruiting elsewhere. Enos brought in a lot of talent to East Lansing, and he also did a nice job as a position coach. This is a key hire for Dantonio, who hasn't had to make many in recent years.
Mr. Wilson from Newton, Iowa, writes: Adam did you notice how the NY Jets offense looked very similar to Iowa's offense? I mean run the ball and then catch the defense on play action to hit the TE on a deep pass. Does Iowa's style of play equal a chance in the nfl?
Adam Rittenberg: There's certainly some similarities there, although Iowa probably takes a few more risks than the Jets with Mark Sanchez. Iowa's bread and butter will always be the run game, but the Hawkeyes took more shots down the field this year than any year I can recall. And with wide receivers Marvin McNutt and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos returning in 2010, expect the Hawkeyes to continue to attack. But generally, yes, the offensive style translates well to the NFL. I'd expect the Jets to open things up a bit more in Sanchez's second season, but they are pretty stacked at running back with Thomas Jones, Iowa product Shonn Greene and the injured Leon Washington.
John from Iowa City, Iowa, writes: You said before the bowl games Wisconsin was gonna be the only home team, that was wrong cause Iowa was as well. why did you lie ?
Adam Rittenberg: I didn't lie! I swear! Georgia Tech was the home team for the FedEx Orange Bowl, and as the home team, the Yellow Jackets could choose what jerseys to wear. If you've ever seen Georgia Tech play at home in Atlanta, you know the team wears white jerseys, which it did for the Orange Bowl. It was the same deal in the Capital One Bowl as LSU, the home team, elected to wear white, as it does for games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge. We're not used to this in Big Ten country, as all 11 teams wear dark jerseys at home, but it's more common in the South/Southeast.
Zack from Greenville, Pa., writes: Adam, a lot of people talk about Bradley being the next Coach at PSU. My question is why not Larry Johnson? Great recruiter and always has the defensive line ready for the next season.
Adam Rittenberg: Zack, Johnson certainly would gain consideration at Penn State for the top job, though Tom Bradley's longevity and track record as the defensive coordinator makes him the front-runner. Johnson certainly should be in position to be a coordinator or a head coach very soon, whether it's at Penn State or somewhere else. Illinois pursued Johnson last year, and other schools, possibly Florida, might look at him to run their defense. The guy excels at both attracting and developing talent. Bradley's recruiting success shouldn't be overlooked, either, as he has done very well in the Pittsburgh area.
Ben from Nevada City, Calif., writes: Adam, It seems like Big Ten teams may be scheduling tougher non-conference games these days, but how come Michigan hasn't? They keep claiming that they've had to do last second scheduling the last few years and at that point no one is left, but then why haven't they started scheduling in advance to avoid that? It seems like MSU, Purdue, OSU, and Minnesota seem to have the drill down.
Adam Rittenberg: Ben, Michigan's situation is a bit tougher because the Wolverines are locked into the Notre Dame series every year. If you look around the country, few major-conference teams, aside from those in the Pac-10, are willing to schedule more than one game per season against BCS conference foes. One "tough" game is usually the norm, and for Michigan, Notre Dame fills that spot. Retiring athletic director Bill Martin seemed more interested in scheduling additional Big Ten games (9) than beefing up the nonconference slate. It'll be interesting to see how new AD David Brandon will approach the scheduling issue. I would have loved to have seen Michigan add Boise State to the schedule in 2010, though Connecticut is a decent opponent in Week 1.
Mike W. from East Lansing, Mich., writes: Adam,I just read that Dan Enos will be the new head coach at Central Michigan. How big of a loss is that for Michigan State? I know Enos is one of the best coaches on Dantonio's staff, but more importantly--the best recruiter. What impact is this going to have for MSU?
Adam Rittenberg: Enos is a major loss from a recruiting standpoint, especially after his good work in Detroit and the surrounding areas. The good thing is that Enos re-established ties between a lot of the top high school programs and Michigan State. It's now up to head coach Mark Dantonio and the remaining assistants to keep those relationships strong, especially since archrival Michigan has geared much of its recruiting elsewhere. Enos brought in a lot of talent to East Lansing, and he also did a nice job as a position coach. This is a key hire for Dantonio, who hasn't had to make many in recent years.
Mr. Wilson from Newton, Iowa, writes: Adam did you notice how the NY Jets offense looked very similar to Iowa's offense? I mean run the ball and then catch the defense on play action to hit the TE on a deep pass. Does Iowa's style of play equal a chance in the nfl?
Adam Rittenberg: There's certainly some similarities there, although Iowa probably takes a few more risks than the Jets with Mark Sanchez. Iowa's bread and butter will always be the run game, but the Hawkeyes took more shots down the field this year than any year I can recall. And with wide receivers Marvin McNutt and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos returning in 2010, expect the Hawkeyes to continue to attack. But generally, yes, the offensive style translates well to the NFL. I'd expect the Jets to open things up a bit more in Sanchez's second season, but they are pretty stacked at running back with Thomas Jones, Iowa product Shonn Greene and the injured Leon Washington.
John from Iowa City, Iowa, writes: You said before the bowl games Wisconsin was gonna be the only home team, that was wrong cause Iowa was as well. why did you lie ?
Adam Rittenberg: I didn't lie! I swear! Georgia Tech was the home team for the FedEx Orange Bowl, and as the home team, the Yellow Jackets could choose what jerseys to wear. If you've ever seen Georgia Tech play at home in Atlanta, you know the team wears white jerseys, which it did for the Orange Bowl. It was the same deal in the Capital One Bowl as LSU, the home team, elected to wear white, as it does for games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge. We're not used to this in Big Ten country, as all 11 teams wear dark jerseys at home, but it's more common in the South/Southeast.
Zack from Greenville, Pa., writes: Adam, a lot of people talk about Bradley being the next Coach at PSU. My question is why not Larry Johnson? Great recruiter and always has the defensive line ready for the next season.
Adam Rittenberg: Zack, Johnson certainly would gain consideration at Penn State for the top job, though Tom Bradley's longevity and track record as the defensive coordinator makes him the front-runner. Johnson certainly should be in position to be a coordinator or a head coach very soon, whether it's at Penn State or somewhere else. Illinois pursued Johnson last year, and other schools, possibly Florida, might look at him to run their defense. The guy excels at both attracting and developing talent. Bradley's recruiting success shouldn't be overlooked, either, as he has done very well in the Pittsburgh area.
Ben from Nevada City, Calif., writes: Adam, It seems like Big Ten teams may be scheduling tougher non-conference games these days, but how come Michigan hasn't? They keep claiming that they've had to do last second scheduling the last few years and at that point no one is left, but then why haven't they started scheduling in advance to avoid that? It seems like MSU, Purdue, OSU, and Minnesota seem to have the drill down.
Adam Rittenberg: Ben, Michigan's situation is a bit tougher because the Wolverines are locked into the Notre Dame series every year. If you look around the country, few major-conference teams, aside from those in the Pac-10, are willing to schedule more than one game per season against BCS conference foes. One "tough" game is usually the norm, and for Michigan, Notre Dame fills that spot. Retiring athletic director Bill Martin seemed more interested in scheduling additional Big Ten games (9) than beefing up the nonconference slate. It'll be interesting to see how new AD David Brandon will approach the scheduling issue. I would have loved to have seen Michigan add Boise State to the schedule in 2010, though Connecticut is a decent opponent in Week 1.
Spartans' Enos lands CMU top job
January, 11, 2010
1/11/10
10:58
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Mark Dantonio often attributes his early success at Michigan State to coaching continuity. Since his arrival in 2007, Dantonio has kept his staff fully intact, a rarity in today's college football.
But nothing lasts forever, and for the first time at MSU, Dantonio must replace one of his top assistants.
Michigan State running backs coach Dan Enos has reportedly landed the head-coaching job at Central Michigan, where he's expected to be introduced Tuesday. Enos, a former Michigan State quarterback, looks like an excellent choice for the Chippewas, and a big loss for the Spartans.
He was the biggest reason for Michigan State's recent in-state recruiting surge. Enos served as Dantonio's lead recruiter in the Detroit area and helped to land top prospects like Edwin Baker, Larry Caper, Dion Sims and Keshawn Martin. He also coached star back Javon Ringer and helped Caper and Baker develop nicely this fall.
Michigan State certainly lost some momentum on the field this season, but the program must continue to be a major player in recruiting within the state. Expect Enos' replacement to have strong ties to the Detroit area and some of the top high school programs there.
Illinois defensive backs coach Curt Mallory also was a finalist for the Central Michigan job. Rivals.com's Tom Dienhart reports that Mallory, who recently was demoted from a co-defensive coordinator spot, likey will land at Akron as the Zips' new defensive coordinator.
But nothing lasts forever, and for the first time at MSU, Dantonio must replace one of his top assistants.
Michigan State running backs coach Dan Enos has reportedly landed the head-coaching job at Central Michigan, where he's expected to be introduced Tuesday. Enos, a former Michigan State quarterback, looks like an excellent choice for the Chippewas, and a big loss for the Spartans.
He was the biggest reason for Michigan State's recent in-state recruiting surge. Enos served as Dantonio's lead recruiter in the Detroit area and helped to land top prospects like Edwin Baker, Larry Caper, Dion Sims and Keshawn Martin. He also coached star back Javon Ringer and helped Caper and Baker develop nicely this fall.
Michigan State certainly lost some momentum on the field this season, but the program must continue to be a major player in recruiting within the state. Expect Enos' replacement to have strong ties to the Detroit area and some of the top high school programs there.
Illinois defensive backs coach Curt Mallory also was a finalist for the Central Michigan job. Rivals.com's Tom Dienhart reports that Mallory, who recently was demoted from a co-defensive coordinator spot, likey will land at Akron as the Zips' new defensive coordinator.
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Adam Rittenberg
Rittenberg joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four years at the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald, where he covered sports at Notre Dame, Northwestern, DePaul and several other colleges. He lives in Chicago.
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Bennett joined ESPN.com in August 2008 after nine years at The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., where he covered college sports and the University of Louisville beat. He lives in Louisville.
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