Mel Tucker named to preseason Coach of the Year watchlist

Michigan State’s Mel Tucker was one of 21 head coaches named to the preseason Coach of the Year watchlist.

Michigan state coaches have been gaining notoriety lately.

Offensive Line coach Chris Kapilovic was recently named the best offensive line coach in the Big Ten. And on Thursday, the Dodd Trophy watchlist was revealed.

Michigan State Head Coach Mel Tucker was one of twenty one coaches to be named to the list.

Michigan State HC Mel Tucker is one of 21 coaches named to the Dodd Trophy (coach of the year) watch list.

— Stephen Brooks (@StephenM_Brooks) July 13, 2023

Five of the 21 are from the Big Ten. The other Big Ten coaches on the list are Kirk Ferentz, P.J. Fleck, Jim Harbaugh, and Ryan Day.

According to the Dodd Trophy website: The watch list was created through a selection process by the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc., taking into consideration each program’s graduation rate, Graduation Success Rate (GSR), commitment to service and charity in the community, projected success for the 2023 season and Academic Progress Rate (APR).

This is certainly welcomed news for both Tucker and Michigan State fans. Under Tucker, the Spartans have both experienced highs and lows. After receiving a historic contract extension, expectations for Tucker’s team rose along with his salary. Unfortunately, the 2022 Spartans had a disappointing season. Mel being one of only 21 coaches in the country being added to this list should be a sign of encouragement to the fans that may have taken last year’s disappointment as a reflection of his tenure as head coach.

A portion of the recognition for the award is based upon graduation rates and the academic standings of students. Mel and his coaching staff have been very public about their desire to help equip young men beyond the field. On field results will also be a factor in determining the winner but it’s worth noting that Tucker and Michigan State are doing a great job improving the quality of their players in all facets of life. The hope will be that the on field results match the preseason watchlist hype and that the 2022 season is an outlier.

The award watchlist will shift as there are mid season additions. Fans will have to wait and see how Mel finishes in the race but rest assured, he’s creating a positive reputation for himself and the university.