Michigan football and Ohio State coaches linked to MSU opening

Today, Michigan State football announced that it has notified former head coach Mel Tucker that the firing process has begun. Tucker will leave East Lansing with a 20-14 overall record through three and a quarter seasons with the Spartans. Now comes the fun part, where fans and media get to speculate for the next few months on who will be Michigan State’s next head football coach. In fact, a certain Michigan football coach and an Ohio State coach — Brian Hartline and Sherrone Moore — continue to be linked as top candidates for the opening.

Michigan football assistant considered a top candidate for Michigan State football opening

Brian Hartline and Sherrone Moore are two of the hottest names in college football coaching right now. Both have been incredibly successful assistant coaches for two of the top programs in the nation: Michigan football and Ohio State. Over the weekend, Moore got his first shot at being the Wolverines’ head coach (in place of a suspended Jim Harbaugh), leading the Wolverines to a 25-point Week 3 victory.

Ohio State coach Brian Hartline and Michigan OC Sherrone Moore considered top choices for the role

Additionally, Brian Hartline has been an offensive NFL Draft factory, especially when it comes to wide receivers. Given that Michigan State football needs a new head coach, one that is likely younger, offensive-minded, knows the Big Ten, and knows how a successful program is run, either Hartline or Moore would be a home run hire for the Green and White.

When the Mel Tucker news first broke, On3 was one of the first to release a list of potential replacements. Since then, especially today, following the official news from Michigan State, many lists continue to get published, naming both Hartline and Sherrone Moore as top candidates. Most recently, The Athletic (owned by The New York Times) released a list, once again naming Michigan football offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore and Ohio State OC Brian Hartline among the most suitable replacements for the Spartans.

For now, Michigan State football will rely on ex-head coach Mark Dantonio and interim head coach Harlon Bennett to lead the way, which will be no small task following a 41-7 home loss last weekend.

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