Letting Narduzzi make a lateral move to A&M would have been a PR disaster for MSU. He's not going to stay at MSU forever, nor probably even much longer, but keeping an assistant coach is always a good thing. Mark Hollis said in a tweet (below) that Narduzzi's next step is head coach of a big program. That appears to be a sign that MSU won't lose its assistants to other schools to be an assistant, meaning they want to continue to compete with the big boys.
Narduzzi's defense was one of the best in the nation this season, and it should be even better as nine of 11 Outback Bowl starters are set to return (unless Johnny Adams also makes a surprising jump).
Specific contract numbers have not been released.
Here are quotes per MSU release:
Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi:
“With the success we’ve had as a football program, especially the last two years, people around the country have taken notice. So when provided a professional opportunity like Texas A&M, I owed it to my family to investigate it because my first obligation is to take care of my wife and children. The bottom line remains; however, that I’m very comfortable working for Mark Dantonio and Michigan State. The support from the top down is tremendous. Coach Dantonio, Athletics Director Mark Hollis, President (Lou Anna) Simon and our Board of Trustees have been very supportive and understanding as I’ve gone through this decision-making process, and I’m thankful for their patience.
“I share the same feelings that our players and coaches have that there’s some unfinished business to take care of here. We’re all driven to win the Big Ten Championship and win a Rose Bowl.”
Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio:
“We’re excited about keeping the coaching staff intact. Staff continuity has been a key component in our sustained success.
“Prior to Texas A&M aggressively pursuing Pat Narduzzi, (MSU Athletics Director) Mark Hollis had already identified the financial resources to make sure that not only Pat, but all of our assistant coaches, had salaries that are competitive in the Big Ten. We understand that our continued success will provide professional opportunities for our student-athletes and coaches alike.
“There’s no doubt that Pat will be a head coach sometime soon, but for now, we’re excited that he remains a Spartan as we continue our pursuit of another Big Ten Championship and our first trip to the Rose Bowl.
“With back-to-back 11-win seasons, a bowl victory over Georgia and a coaching staff that remains intact, we have a lot of momentum as we head down the stretch toward Signing Day.
“We’re on the verge of accomplishing some special things here at Michigan State, but we can’t do it alone. To reach our ultimate goals, it will take a championship effort from all of our stakeholders: our coaches, administration, alumni and fans. We all must continue to support our student-athletes in their quest for championships.”
Also, tweets from Mark Hollis:
"Since the day Coach Dantonio returned to MSU as our head coach, coaching staff continuity has been an important component of our success."
"Providing our student-athletes with the best coaching staff & leaders is my responsibility. Appreciate Coach D and all that he gives to MSU."
"Great to have Coach Narduzzi at MSU. He is ready to be a head coach at a big time program. That will be his next move. He is all Spartan."
"Our entire football coaching staff is filled with quality people who truly care about our student athletes and the University."
"Support from President Simon and our BOT has been locked in. We are on the same page in the direction of our Athletic Department."
"Providing our student-athletes with the best coaching staff & leaders is my responsibility. Appreciate Coach D and all that he gives to MSU."
"Great to have Coach Narduzzi at MSU. He is ready to be a head coach at a big time program. That will be his next move. He is all Spartan."
"Our entire football coaching staff is filled with quality people who truly care about our student athletes and the University."
"Support from President Simon and our BOT has been locked in. We are on the same page in the direction of our Athletic Department."
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