Report: Football assistant coaches earn raises

We've known since MSU announced the retainment of Pat Narduzzi in January that MSU would increase his salary heavily. We'd known since last season that there were plans to give the assistant coaches raises.

Today, the LSJ got the details on those raises. Here are the numbers:

Pat Narduzzi (defensive coordinator): Raise from $233,000 to $500,000. The three-year deal has a retention bonus of one month's salary. Buyout of $250,000 Narduzzi must pay if he leaves for another coordinator job. Buyout does not go into effect if he leaves for a head-coaching job.

Dan Roushar (offensive coordinator): Raise from $230,000 to $305,000

Dave Warner (quarterbacks): Raise from $175,000 to $205,000

Brad Salem (running backs): Raise from $170,000 to $200,000

Terry Samuel (wide receivers): Raise from $163,500 to $182,000

Mark Staten (offensive line): Raise from $170,000 to $200,000

Ted Gill (defensive line): Raise from $163,500 to $182,000

Mike Tressel (linebackers/special teams): Raise from $170,000 to $203,000

Harlon Barnett (defensive backs): Raise from $170,000 to $203,000

Given the recent success of the football program, it's hard to argue against any of these raises, especially considering MSU was near the bottom of the Big Ten in assistant coach pay. Narduzzi obviously was the most deserving, given his recent track record and courtship from Texas A&M last winter.

MSU isn't going to keep Narduzzi forever, but this contract shows MSU is willing to pay what it takes for long-term success in football. This way, Narduzzi likely will only leave for a step up. If there's one thing every head coach agrees on, it's that their assistants are underpaid. Georgia head coach Mark Richt got in trouble with the NCAA for paying his coaches with money out of his own pocket. Brady Hoke's success at Michigan was helped by some of the highest salaries for assistants in the country.

Mark Dantonio is building his own coaching tree, with Don Treadwell and Dan Enos already having left for head-coaching jobs, and this money shows the program won't take a step back if more coaches leave. For what it's worth, I could see Warner, Tressel and Barnett earning head-coaching or coordinator jobs down the road.

For most of Dantonio's time at MSU, the program has gotten away with underpaying coaches to develop underrated recruits. The program is on the upswing with the play on the field and the renovations of that field. These salary increases will help MSU try to find consistent, long-term success — something the program has historically lacked.

Videos: Dantonio, Cousins, Narduzzi talk with BTN

Mark Dantonio talks with BTN about Spring Football:



Kirk Cousins talks with BTN about the upcoming NFL Draft:



Also, Pat Narduzzi did a film session with Howard Griffith, which you can see here. I love these kinds of things.

Narduzzi: Meyer starting recruiting war

A very interesting story in the Canton (Ohio) Repository today.

MSU defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi was a guest speaker at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club in Canton yesterday, and he didn't exactly have kind words for new Ohio State coach Urban Meyer.

Since taking over the Buckeyes (and not having to prepare the current team for a bowl), Meyer has been on the recruiting warpath and has the No. 3 class in the country, according to Rivals.com. Quite of few of those recruits had previously committed to Big Ten schools, including defensive end Se'Von Pittman, who decommitted from MSU to join the Buckeyes. 

"Jim Tressel and Mark Dantonio would never call or talk to each other’s commitments," Narduzzi told the paper. "People coach Dantonio knows well don’t come in and take players away. When you do, you lose friendships over that."

Retainment of Narduzzi shows long-term commitment to football

I wrote this up more than a week ago, and it finally was published.

When MSU came up with the (undisclosed) money to keep Pat Narduzzi, it showed the school's long-term commitment to football success. This wasn't Nick Saban all over again.

Let's be real: Pat Narduzzi is going to be gone sooner rather than later. It's the natural progression for coaches. As Mark Hollis tweeted, Narduzzi's next step is head coach at a big time program. No Akron here.

But after Narduzzi is gone, MSU's defensive success won't go with him. Mark Dantonio and Hollis are two of the lower-paid people in their profession, but the retainment of Narduzzi and scoreboard upgrades show steps toward big-time football success.

Five questions as MSU football heads into spring

With the 2011 season officially in the books after tonight's national championship game, it's time to take a look at what MSU's biggest issues are going to be heading into spring ball.

1. How will Andrew Maxwell transition into the starting role?

I wrote about Maxwell last week. He has all the physical tools to succeed Kirk Cousins, the winningest quarterback in school history. Maxwell also has one of the Big Ten's best running backs, one of the best defenses and one of the most-experienced offensive lines to help him. The only things Maxwell doesn't have are experience and wide receivers. Maxwell knows the offense, as he will be a fourth-year junior next year. He just needs to take everything and show it on on the field.

2. Who will be the new defensive tackles?

Narduzzi remains at MSU defensive coordinator

After much speculation, MSU has just announced that Pat Narduzzi will remain as defensive coordinator, spurning interest from Texas A&M.

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:

The futures of Worthy and Narduzzi

There will be a press conference at 2 p.m. regarding Jerel Worthy's future. Either returning for his senior year or heading to the NFL.

Worthy was projected as a top-10 pick before the season, but slid out of the first round. His performance in the Outback Bowl has him as a late first- or early second-round pick. That's still good money. I expect him to leave.

It is interesting that his teammates on Twitter seem to not know what his decision is. That's not the case with Montee Ball, who reportedly told his teammates in the locker room after the Rose Bowl that he was coming back. Ball has a press conference scheduled at 4 p.m.

As for Pat Narduzzi, several reports have the defensive coordinator looking very closely at Texas A&M. Hondo Carpenter says A&M is set to pay him $600,000, with a chance for that to get up to $750,000.

Fowler, Giampapa out, Narduzzi staying (for now)

Hope everyone had a great weekend. How 'bout those Lions? I was downtown Saturday and I have to say my first experience of Ford Field with a good Lions team was great. That place gets loud, and I mean loud. Congrats to the Lions and their fans.

As for MSU, Dantonio talked to reporters down in Tampa today.

From Joe Rexrode of the Lansing State Journal:

--Long-snapper Matt Giampapa is out for the Outback Bowl for violating team rules. Steve Moore will take over long-snapping duties.

--Wide receiver Bennie Fowler's status finally is clear: out. Fowler only played in a few games while dealing with a stress fracture in his foot that has been bothering him all season. Per Rexrode, Dantonio said Fowler shouldn't need surgery, although his status for spring ball is uncertain. That's quite a stress fracture.

--There is one unnamed player who did not travel to Tampa because of academic issues, but may head down later in the week if that is taken care of.

--Dantonio said Pat Narduzzi interviewed for one other job, but is staying at MSU for now. Narduzzi was reportedly in the mix at Akron and Pitt, and both those jobs have been filled. MSU assistants are supposed to be getting raises in early 2012.

A look at what some Spartans want for Christmas

(This story originally appeared on MLive.com)

Have you sent your list to Santa? With Christmas two days away, it's not too late to ask Santa for a few more gifts.

Just in time for the weekend, I was forwarded the Christmas lists of some Michigan State athletics personnel, and I'm going to share it with you.

Pat Narduzzi — A defensive tackle — With Kevin Pickelman out for the Outback Bowl, MSU is thin at the position. Looking to next season, he may also lose Jerel Worthy to the NFL, so Narduzzi is asking Santa for a big man for the trenches. A few days ago, he let us know which one he wanted, too: Micajah Reynolds. I know Narduzzi let him go to the offensive line before, but he's serious that he'll be happy with Reynolds on the defense this time.

Andrew Maxwell — Some wide receivers —  This is for next season. MSU will lose B.J. Cunningham, Keshawn Martin and Keith Nichol to graduation, leaving an entirely new receiving corps for Andrew Maxwell. The No. 1 guy next year, Bennie Fowler, has been hurt for most of this season. Tony Lippett probably will move to receiver next year after playing on both sides of the ball this season. If Maxwell wants to succeed replacing one of the best quarterbacks in MSU history, he's going to need some help.

MSU must overcome Georgia's size to win battle in the trenches

(This story originally appeared on MLive.com)


You thought Wisconsin's offensive line was big.

Now Michigan State has to prepare for an even bigger line in Georgia. Defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi couldn't believe it.

"Someone said they’re considered the biggest offensive line in the country," Narduzzi said. "They’re bigger than Wisconsin? Are you kidding me?"

Georgia's offensive line starters average more than 6-foot-3 in height and an incredible 329 pounds in weight. By comparison, no MSU offensive line starter weighs more than 315 and the starters average out to 301 pounds. That's some big-time size from the Bulldogs.

Georgia's size presents problems for MSU (w/ video)

(This story originally appeared on TheOaklandPress.com)


EAST LANSING — During the Big Ten season, there was a lot of buzz about how Wisconsin’s offensive line was bigger than some lines in the National Football League.

The Spartans had five sacks of Wisconsin’s quarterback, but allowed 346 rushing yards in the two games. Now the Spartans are preparing for Georgia in the Outback Bowl and some of the top college talent from the Southeastern Conference. That includes an offensive line whose starters average more than 6-foot-3 in height and 329 pounds in weight.

“Someone said they’re considered the biggest offensive line in the country,” defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi said at MSU’s bowl media day Tuesday. “They’re bigger than Wisconsin? Are you kidding me? … They’re strong, they get their hands on you, they can put you on your back.”

Quick notes from Outback Bowl media day (w/ video)

Just wrapped up Outback Bowl media day at MSU. Will have more later, but here are some quick notes:

--Pat Narduzzi is a little worried about blitzes, because Georgia likes to do quick passes. Youngstown State ran a similar thing and it caused issues early for MSU. The Spartans will have to adjust.

--Narduzzi said MSU will run its three-linebacker base defense for the most part. Georgia likes to use three wide receivers with some no-huddle. This usually presents problems for MSU, so expect Georgia to attack Chris Norman quite a bit.

--Micajah Reynolds has looked really good at defensive tackle in practice. Narduzzi said if he keeps it up, he'll be sticking on defense.

McDonald moving into leadership role (w/ video)

EAST LANSING — Ever since he arrived at MSU, Chris McDonald has looked up to fellow offensive guard Joel Foreman for leadership.

But next season, Foreman will be gone to graduation, and the Sterling Heights native McDonald will be the dean of the MSU offensive line. A week ago, the team captain Foreman brought up the idea of McDonald being a captain next season.

Report: Narduzzi pulls name out of Akron vacancy

This from Bruce Feldman of CBS Sports.

Interesting to say the least, and good news for MSU fans if it's true. Another job that Narduzzi has been reportedly linked to is Pitt, but it sounds like Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst might be the guy who lands here (would also be good news for MSU fans).

Narduzzi won't take questions about other jobs, so who knows why he may have done this. MSU assistants are supposedly getting raises in early 2012, but we don't know by how much.

If you remember, Don Treadwell took the Miami (Ohio) job the day before the Capital One Bowl last year. The earlier Narduzzi's situation gets settled, the better it is for MSU's Outback Bowl chances.

Ticket sales and other updates from Outback Bowl luncheon

This story originally appeared on TheOaklandPress.com.

OKEMOS — With the No. 12 Michigan State football team set to play in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 2, the natural place for a media luncheon would be Outback Steakhouse.

At lunch, athletics director Mark Hollis updated tickets sales, which continue to be slow. About 5,000 of the 11,500 allotted tickets have been sold.

MSU plans on aggressively marketing toward the more than 20,000 MSU alumni in the southeast United States, hoping to boost the ticket sales. But after tens of thousands of Spartan fans spent their money in Indianapolis only to have their hearts ripped out, the desire to spend money to go to a bowl that isn’t the Rose is low.

Notes, video from Dantonio presser 11/22

--The big news from the day is that Dantonio said his assistants will be getting a pay raise in February, putting them top three in the Big Ten with "a substantial amount of money." That's a huge step for a program that has a coach in the middle of the pack and athletic director near the bottom in terms of pay. MSU doesn't have the revenue of programs that fit 100,000 into their stadiums, like Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State, so this is a big commitment.

--The money news might affect defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi, who is becoming a hot commodity for possible head coaching possibilites. Dantonio said the hope is that all of his assistants will have a chance to be a head coach — that's the sign of a strong program (see Izzo tree). Dantonio said Narduzzi is all-in and has a great relationship with MSU players right now, but as tough as it may be, it's important for coaches to make decisions that benefit their family. Dantonio used the analogy of when he left MSU in 2000 to be defensive coordinator at Ohio State.

--Speaking of that, Dantonio was asked about the goals of a national championship. As Dantonio put it: "I've been there before (with OSU in 2002). Once you've been there before, you want to return."

--As for this week's game against Northwestern, Dantonio says the Spartans will be going all out and that he won't plan on resting guys. Northwestern's tempo on offense forces MSU to use a lot of guys on defense anyway, so MSU can't afford to rest anyone.

--Darqueze Dennard is again listed as co-starter with Tony Lippett at cornerback. Dennard didn't play last week while dealing with an ankle injury. No changes on the depth chart.

Linebackers go from question mark to strength

Losing Greg Jones and Eric Gordon from last year and replacing them with sophomores, the linebacking corps was supposed to be the weak point of the MSU defense.

But Max Bullough, Chris Norman and Denicos Allen are 1-2-3 on the Spartans in tackles and are no longer a question mark on one of the best defenses in the country. And good news: They should all be back next year.

Here is my story on the linebackers and Pat Narduzzi clarifying his comment Saturday that the Spartans wanted to play 60 minutes of unnecessary roughness. Narduzzi also said Saturday that they don't want to hurt anybody. Something that didn't make it into many stories.

Thoughts from Section 16, Row 28

From my seat at Notre Dame Stadium, I didn't have the best view to dissect Saturday's 31-13 loss to the Irish.

But from what I did see, here are my thoughts:

The loss falls on the offense and special teams coaching. Obviously the fake field goal looked bad because it didn't work, but doing coming out of a timeout, late in the half, against a team you faked a field goal against last year and down 11, the decision to go for it was very questionable.

As for the other trick plays, MSU's "wildcat" has never worked whenever it has been run. The second time they lined up in it, who didn't see it ending up in Cousins' hands. The Spartans ran the same play against Michigan last year.

The continuing to run the ball so frequently also was questionable. It was clear Notre Dame's run defense was strong and that MSU's offensive line was constantly being overpowered. I don't understand why the coaches put more faith in the offensive line and trick plays than in the hands of Kirk Cousins. The playcalling constantly put Cousins in bad positions in the first half.

By the time they put the ball in Cousins' hands, it was too late. Cousins had some questionable plays, but it was clear he was the most dangerous offense weapon MSU had. Instead of always using the run to set up the pass, MSU coaches need to adjust, sometimes using the pass to set up the run in games like yesterday.

(Add: The red zone offense is a big problem. Ten points in five trips at ND, along with struggles in the first two games. Dion Sims appears the only guy who can make a play down there. The coaches need to come up with some different gameplans when they get close).

The defense actually did make adjustments. If you were to tell me MSU was going to lose to Notre Dame, I would have figured it was because of the ND offense. Pat Narduzzi's gameplan of three linebackers against three- and four-wide receiver sets spelled disaster. But surprisingly, the defense made adjustments, changed plays, used different players (Kevin Pickelman) and had a solid performance overall. Realistically, they only gave up 21 points. I won't count the last field goal off the INT return or the kickoff return touchdown.

Moving forward, MSU fans should be confident in the defense. Saturday's game may end up being the toughest offense they will face this season, and although they weren't spectacular, the MSU defense was solid.

The offensive line remains a problem. Pretty obvious here. MSU averaged 1.3 yards per rush and Cousins was constantly under pressure. It appeared that Cousins was beginning to get nervous in the pocket, a result from being hit so much. The same thing happened last year. If Skylar Burkland is out for an extended period of time, it will be interesting to see if the coaches move Fou Fonoti back to right tackle.

No need to panic yet. Heading into the season, the game at Notre Dame was considered one of the toughest. Just because the Irish were 0-2 heading into the game doesn't mean they were a bad team. As for MSU, this is what the nonconference schedule is for. Just as players will learn, coaches will too. Dan Roushar couldn't use his entire playbook in the first two games, as MSU tried to hide some things. His first big game as MSU offensive coordinator also was the first game he was trailing. He'll learn.

So next up is Central Michigan. This isn't the Dan LeFevour Central Michigan. The Spartans should roll, but once again, we will have to see how the offensive line looks.

I recommend a visit to Notre Dame. The atmosphere is great, the fans are really friendly and the campus is great. Any college football fan should try to take a trip down there once in their lifetime.

Here are some photos I took down there.

This is beneath the Golden Dome.