Mark Dantonio's salary just doubled, and then some. But if you think his decision to become MSU's third football coach in five seasons was solely about the money, think again.

Several Ohio media reported Monday that Cincinnati had offered to match MSU's $1.1 million contract, but Dantonio went with the Spartans anyway.

Why?

One likely reason: Institutional support. Despite fielding a bowl-eligible squad this season, Dantonio reportedly was frustrated that his Bearcats hadn't received an equal boost in backing from the community.

Cincinnati averaged about 22,000 fans per home game last season, which ranked 84th out of 117 Division I teams.

Despite notching three more wins this season, the Bearcats' average attendance actually declined to 20,373 — about 10,000 fewer than any other Big East team. When Cincinnati upset then-undefeated Rutgers on Nov. 18, fewer than 28,000 fans showed up.

"I hope the people understand that I love UC and I love my players, but the people of Cincinnati need to take ownership of their football team," Dantonio told The Cincinnati Enquirer on Monday.

"There were very sparse crowds there at times. That equates to capital gains for the athletic department. That equates to excitement. They need to create the environment that was created at the Rutgers game for every game."

Now, Dantonio will be manning the sidelines at Spartan Stadium, where the half-empty bleachers in MSU's last few games still held more fans than any Cincinnati game this season. Despite finishing tied for last in the Big Ten with a 1-7 record, the Spartans were fifth in the conference in average attendance per home game (70,819).

Dantonio mentioned MSU's facilities, including the recent stadium additions and the upcoming renovations to the Duffy Daugherty Football Building, as reasons why he took the job.

"I didn't come here to be dragged into the graveyard," Dantonio said.