With Harlon Barnett unlikely to keep the position as head coach for Michigan State following Mel Tucker’s dismissal, the Spartans are looking for a new coach. Having apparently already interviewed several candidates, FootballScoop is reporting that Jonathan Smith, the coach at Oregon State, is the favorite:
Numerous sources told FootballScoop that while Smith is the frontrunner, Michigan State officials also have talked to, among others, Duke’s Mike Elko, Toledo’s Jason Candle, North Carolina State’s Dave Doeren and Pittsburgh’s Pat Narduzzi, the former well-regarded Spartans defensive coordinator. Interim head coach Harlon Barnett has been evaluated and is a candidate as well.
Oregon State is 8-3 on the season. Smith is an alma mater at Oregon State so this would certainly seem like a tough pull for MSU.
Sources: Michigan State has identified their top target https://t.co/l9M9YStekR via @JohnDBrice1
— FootballScoop (@FootballScoop) November 22, 2023
