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Former MSU football coach Mark Dantonio to be inducted into College Football Hall of Fame

January 8, 2024
Mark Dantonio during a game against University of Washington at Spartan Stadium on Sept. 16, 2023.
Mark Dantonio during a game against University of Washington at Spartan Stadium on Sept. 16, 2023.

Mark Dantonio, the all-time winningest coach in Michigan State football history, will be inducted into the National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2024, the foundation announced Monday

In 13 storied seasons as MSU’s football head coach from 2007-2019, Dantonio’s teams had a 114-57 record with three Big Ten championships in 2010, 2013 and 2015, a Rose Bowl victory in 2014, a Cotton Bowl win in 2015 and an appearance in the 2015 College Football Playoff. In addition to his record for most wins as MSU football coach, Dantonio won more Big Ten Championships (three) and bowl games (six) than any other coach in school history. He also ranks first with 12 bowl appearances.

A two-time Big Ten Coach of the Year, Dantonio led MSU to Top 25 finishes seven times, tying Spartan legend Duffy Daugherty for the most in program history

“I felt very humbled and overwhelmed by the significance of the moment. When I became a head coach, we wanted to build things that would last and have a positive impact on each individual,” Dantonio said in a statement released by the program. ”There are so many people involved in this honor. I want to thank my family; my staff and their families and everyone that was a part of this program; the administration; Spartan fans; and most importantly the players. I feel extremely blessed to be included in this 2024 prestigious group."

After retiring in Feb. 2020, Dantonio made a return to MSU's program this past season, serving as an advisor to interim head coach Harlon Barnett following the suspension and eventual firing of former head coach Mel Tucker

Dantonio will be officially inducted at the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame's 66th Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 10 at the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

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