Cincy
Dantonio top MSU candidate
BY BILL KOCH | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER
University of Cincinnati football coach Mark Dantonio has emerged as one of the leading candidates for the head coaching job at Michigan State.
UC athletic director Mike Thomas confirmed Sunday that Dantonio is among the coaches the school is considering to replace John L. Smith.
?I would guess that he?s a leading candidate,? Thomas said. ?Now how those things play out and who else is in the mix in addition to Mark I couldn?t tell you.
Dantonio, a former Michigan State assistant coach, could not be reached Sunday.
In his third year as the UC head coach, Dantonio has posted an 18-17 record. He led the Bearcats to the Fort Worth Bowl in his first season in 2004 and guided the Bearcats to a 7-5 record this season after Saturday?s victory at Connecticut.
The Bearcats are waiting to hear which bowl game they will play in.
?It certainly doesn?t surprise me that he?s a candidate,? Thomas said, ?not at all. I think Mark is the total package. He?s not only a great coach, he?s a great person, a wonderful family man. He relates well to his kids. They enjoy the relationship and you can tell they have fun playing for Mark and his staff.?
Thomas said that he will do everything he can to keep Dantonio at UC.
?It?s my intention that Mark Dantonio is not only coaching here for the 2007 season but beyond that,? Thomas said.