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As I sit here watching the autumn leaves drift across the Spartan Stadium parking lot, I can't help but reflect on the seismic shift happening within Michigan State's football program. Mel Tucker's sudden exit has left a vacuum that demands immediate attention, and frankly, I've been fascinated by how this situation mirrors what we're seeing in other sports - particularly in the basketball world where coaches like Tenorio have been successfully training their 16-man pool teams with carefully selected deputies. The parallel isn't perfect, but it's striking enough to make me wonder if Michigan State might benefit from looking at how other programs handle leadership transitions.

Having covered college football for over fifteen years, I've witnessed my fair share of coaching searches, but this one feels different. The timing is brutal - we're already into the season, and the Spartans need someone who can steady the ship immediately while also building for the future. What fascinates me about the Tenorio example is how he leveraged his deputies Gabe Norwood and Richard Del Rosario to create a cohesive coaching structure. That's exactly what Michigan State needs right now - not just a head coach, but someone who can assemble a strong supporting cast that shares their vision. I've always believed that the best coaches are those who recognize they can't do it alone, and who empower their assistants to take ownership of specific areas.

When I look at potential candidates, a few names immediately spring to mind. Luke Fickell at Wisconsin has done remarkable things, but prying him away seems unlikely. Then there's Urban Meyer - though personally, I'd be hesitant given how his last stint ended. The name that really intrigues me is Charles Huff at Marshall. He's young, energetic, and has shown he can develop talent at multiple programs. I had the chance to speak with him briefly at a coaching clinic last spring, and his philosophy about building through player development rather than just recruiting stars really resonated with me. In today's college football landscape, where transfer portals have changed everything, that developmental approach might be exactly what Michigan State needs.

The financial aspect can't be ignored either. Michigan State reportedly has about $75 million remaining in their athletic budget for coaching salaries, though that number might need verification. That's serious money that could lure almost any coach not named Saban or Smart. But here's what worries me - are they willing to spend it wisely? I've seen too many programs throw money at big names without considering fit. What Michigan State needs isn't necessarily the flashiest name, but someone who understands the unique challenges and opportunities of coaching in the Big Ten. Someone who can recruit against Michigan and Ohio State while maintaining the Spartan identity that fans cherish.

Let me be perfectly honest - I think Michigan State would be making a huge mistake by focusing only on established head coaches. Some of the best hires in recent memory have been coordinators ready for their first head coaching gig. Think about what Mike Macdonald has done with Michigan's defense - that's the kind of innovative mind that could revolutionize Michigan State's program. Or if we're looking at the NFL, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has shown incredible creativity in his play-calling. These younger coaches bring fresh perspectives that can sometimes get stale with veteran head coaches who've been running the same systems for decades.

The timeline is another crucial factor. Athletic director Alan Haller needs to move quickly but carefully. From what I'm hearing through my sources, they're hoping to have someone in place within 45-60 days, though the exact timeline keeps shifting. That's ambitious, but necessary to salvage recruiting for the 2024 class. What I've learned from watching these searches over the years is that the best candidates often emerge in the final days of the process. Schools that panic and make early offers frequently end up with their second or third choices.

What really separates successful coaching hires from failures, in my experience, is cultural fit. I remember when Mark Dantonio was hired - he just got what it meant to be a Spartan. The next coach needs that same understanding. They need to appreciate Michigan State's blue-collar identity while also modernizing the program to compete in today's college football. It's a delicate balance that requires both vision and respect for tradition. Personally, I'd love to see someone who embraces the physical, defensive-minded football that made Michigan State great under Dantonio, but with the offensive creativity needed to score points in bunches.

As I wrap up these thoughts, I keep coming back to that image of Tenorio working with his 16-man pool, supported by his deputies. That collaborative approach is what Michigan State should be seeking. The Spartans don't just need a coach - they need a leader who can build a comprehensive program where every coach and player understands their role and contributes to the collective success. Whoever gets the nod will face immediate pressure, but also the incredible opportunity to write the next chapter of Spartan football history. Based on everything I've seen and the conversations I've had around the program, my money's on an outside-the-box hire rather than a retread - and frankly, that's what excites me most about this search.