Mark Dantonio, Michigan State Announce New Contract

Mark Dantonio received a new contract from Michigan State, the school and coach announced in a joint statement. The deal is the same length as his previous contract -- a five-year roll-over deal intended to keep Dantonio in East Lansing indefinitely -- but it’s slightly more lucrative in the short-term and features accelerated bonuses.

“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,” MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon said in the statement. “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”

Dantonio’s annual compensation will increase from $1.8 million to $1.83 million. He is also eligible for a new $100,000 bonus should the Spartans win the Big Ten Championship Game. He was originally due for a $2 million bonus in 2016, but that’s been moved up to 2014. Dantonio has also been offered the opportunity to work in Michigan State’s athletic department for two years after he decides to retire from coaching.

“This agreement doesn’t mark a significant increase in compensation; rather it provides security and comfort for the Dantonio family,” said athletic director Mark Hollis in the statement. “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.”

The Spartans are 37-20 since Dantonio took over in 2007, going 11-2 last season and 4-1 thus far this season.