Michigan State Football Coach Mark Dantonio Gets New Contract that Virtually Ensures the Spartan Nation He Will Retire Here

Dantonio Rewarded With New Contract

Over the last two seasons, Michigan State has won 15 of its last 18 games.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Fifth-year Michigan State head football coach Mark Dantonio, who led the Spartans to a school-record 11 wins last season and a share of their first Big Ten Championship in 20 years, has been rewarded with a new contract, according to a joint announcement made Saturday, Oct. 8 by MSU Athletics Director Mark Hollis and MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon. Over the last two seasons, Michigan State has won 15 of its last 18 games.

The length of the contract remains the same as the previous agreement – a five-year roll over deal. Under the new terms, his base salary increases from $618,000 to $650,000. Some of Dantonio’s performance incentive bonuses have been restructured, including the addition of a $100,000 bonus for winning the Big Ten Championship Game. The payout date of his $2 million contingent bonus has been move up two years, from 2016 to 2014. In addition, Dantonio has been presented with the opportunity to work for the Athletics Department for two years after he retires from coaching, and the buy-out provisions of the contract have been modified.

Under terms of the new contract, Dantonio’s annual compensation increases from $1.8 million to $1.83 million.

Here are the annual compensation components of the new contract:

• $650,000 base salary

• $869,000 supplemental income

• $100,000 shoe/apparel agreement

• $200,000 contingent annual base

• $13,000 benefits

“I know I speak for the entire Spartan family when I say that we are pleased and proud of the success of the Spartan football program under Coach Dantonio,” President Simon said. “This contract symbolizes the long-term commitment so essential for a successful program. Mark Dantonio is a wonderful person, terrific coach and a very special part of Team MSU.

“I want to especially acknowledge Athletic Director Mark Hollis’ leadership in this contact negotiation and his tremendous leadership of the athletic department.”

“Continuity is a key ingredient for the sustained success of a football program,” Hollis said. “Along with all Spartans, I have been impressed with the direction of the Spartan football program and the leadership of head coach Mark Dantonio. His decision making, both on and off the field, resembles the qualities and characteristics of great leaders. His compassion and ability to face adversity are characteristics that I have always admired. This is not about a single season, but the sustained growth and anticipated growth in years to come.

“With this agreement, MSU has assured itself with a bright future. We have a coach that cares about the life of every student-athlete that has every played for the Green and White. We have a coach that believes in the traditions and values of Michigan State University. We have a coach that is a teacher, a motivator, a friend, and a leader. We have a coach that knows how to lead with a strong vision, determination and character. We have a coach that I would want my children to learn from.

“This agreement doesn’t mark a significant increase in compensation; rather it provides security and comfort for the Dantonio family. It also provides East Lansing and Michigan State University with people of great character and integrity. Tom Izzo coined the phrase, ‘A Spartan for Life.’ The membership and commitment to that special club has just increased by one, Coach Mark Dantonio and his family.”

“This contract signifies a long-term commitment, and I want to thank President Simon, Mark Hollis and the administration for their trust,” Dantonio said. “The University has certainly made a commitment to provide all of the necessary tools to continue to build and sustain a championship-caliber program, and I’ve made a long-term commitment to be the head coach at Michigan State. This new contract expresses the loyalty that I have to our current student-athletes and their families and sends a clear message to current and future recruits that I will be their head coach at Michigan State. It also lets Spartan Nation know that I deeply appreciate their loyal support and that I’m here for the long haul.

“Coaching staff stability is so important for the long-term success of a program. We’re very excited about the progress the program has made over the last four-plus years, and we truly believe the best is yet to come. We’re making significant strides toward achieving our ultimate goals. You truly define a program by winning multiple championships and becoming a consistent Top 25 team. We look forward to continued success at Michigan State.”