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BREAKING: Mel Tucker has officially signed contract extension

November 24, 2021
<p>Head Coach Mel Tucker before the game against Maryland on Nov. 13, 2021, at the Spartan Stadium.</p>

Head Coach Mel Tucker before the game against Maryland on Nov. 13, 2021, at the Spartan Stadium.

Photo by Lauren Snyder | The State News

Michigan State Head Football Coach Mel Tucker has officially signed his contract extension.

"I am honored to be a part of the Spartan process today, and for years to come," Tucker said in a release.

According to MSU, the contract has a base salary of $5.9 million per year, $3.2 million per year in supplemental compensation related to media and personal appearances and another $400,000 per year in bonuses. This lands Tucker's deal at approximately 10 years, $95 million dollars.

This contract is tied for the second-largest coaching salary in college football with Penn State Head Coach James Franklin, who signed an identical contract Tuesday. Only Nick Saban ($9.753 million annually) makes more than the two coaches that will square off on Saturday.

"Mel Tucker has been an outstanding addition to our Spartan Athletic program," MSU President Samuel L. Stanley Jr. said in a release.  "In less than two years, his leadership has already resulted in a program competing for top honors, and I'm impressed by his intensity and drive. Spartan fans around the country are enjoying the success of this year's football program and we look forward to many more successful seasons, competing at the highest levels under Coach Tucker."

Tucker currently sits at 11-7 as Michigan State’s head coach heading into the final game of his second season at the helm. He has led the Spartans this year to a 9-2 record and chance at a New Year’s Six Bowl after finishing 2-5 in his first year.

"The decision to extend Mel Tucker's contract is not based on one year of results, but rather it's an investment in a promising future for Spartan football," MSU Athletic Alan Haller said in a release. "Since his hire in February 2020, the program has experienced high levels of success in three key areas: student-athlete development - on and off the field, recruiting momentum and donor and alumni base engagement and support. Mel has brought an energy to this program which has benefitted not only our athletic department, but also the university and the surrounding community."

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