Michigan State football: Mark Dantonio speaks to media for first time since return

For the first time since being brought back to Michigan State football, Mark Dantonio speaks openly to the media.

For the first time since returning to Michigan State football this week, legendary former head coach Mark Dantonio has opened up to the media. He answered some questions on Friday, just 24 hours ahead of the Washington game.

Mark Dantonio on his return to MSU football’s coaching staff. pic.twitter.com/Xs8nts6XH4

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 15, 2023

It’s great to see Dantonio is good spirits after what can only be described as a whirlwind of a week. He’s smiling and answering questions from the media in this capacity for the first time in years.

Some things from this short clip stood out to me. One, he’s happy to be back helping Alan Haller out as he said he’d do whatever the athletic director needed. He’s showing that he’s a Spartan for life and admitted that he told Alan whenever he needed anything, he’d help. Also, hearing him say that he’s been “very impressed” with the coaching staff and the order that they’ve stuck to really stands out. Obviously Coach D likes things done the right way so if he says that he’s impressed with how things are run and the structure, that’s a pretty good sign that the program is still in good hands.

Dantonio also laughed when asked if he ever thought he’d be back in his wildest dreams doing something like this, stating that he was enjoying retirement.

“Very impressed with the players” is also a good quote. This means that the team isn’t playing the “woe is me” card and they’re getting down to business and back to work. They’re not hanging their heads over this whole mess. This is a resilient team, it seems.

Dantonio said that he’s going to be a “consultant or advisor” and that it’s “their show” and the coaching staff will run it. He said that if he has something to say, he’s going to speak up and say it.

As for a long-term role, Dantonio hinted that it’s not likely after this year.

Mark Dantonio asked by @mwenzel2 if this is temporary or if he plans to coach longer than this season with MSU: “I've always said I'm looking forward to retirement. I'll leave it like that.”

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 15, 2023

Chris Solari also reported that Dantonio will not be wearing a headset on the sidelines, but he will be out there on the field with the team.