Bruce Feldman looks at candidates in possible Michigan State coaching search

Many believe that, even with a hearing still upcoming that will make its own final ruling, Mel Tucker has likely coached his final game at Michigan State. While they still have to sort that out, that begs the question of who would be the next candidate to take over the Spartan program?

Bruce Feldman answered that thought during an episode of ‘The Audible’ on Wednesday.

His answer included seven coaches, five heads and two assistants, in Lance Leipold, Dave Clawson, Chris Klieman, Brian Hartline, Mike Elko, Charles Huff, and Sean Lewis as names that Michigan State could consider.

Lance Leipold – Kansas Jayhawks

Heading into his third season in Lawrence, Leipold has turned Kansas right around. After six seasons at Buffalo, his first season with the Jayhawks in 2021 ended at 2-10. KU became a great story the following season, though, as they went 6-7 in 2022 to get the program to their first bowl game since 2008. Still, considering their recent success, Feldman isn’t sure that Leipold will be ready to make the jump just yet.

“Lance Leipold, I think, could be a good fit there,” said Feldman. “I think, as well as he has done at KU, it’s a stretch.”

Dave Clawson – Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Clawson has been one of the nation’s more consistent coaches over the last few years. As he starts his 10th season with Wake Forest, he has led the Demon Deacons to seven or more wins in six of the past seven seasons with the one that didn’t reach that mark being the pandemic season. However, based on his decision-making process in the past, Feldman also isn’t too sure that Clawson will want to make the move.

“Is Dave Clawson really going to want to make that move? I know that you probably have a better chance to win and sustain at a higher level in East Lansing than you would (in Winston-Salem),” said Feldman. “He’s been very choosy. I’m not sure.”

Chris Klieman – Kansas State Wildcats

Klieman has made things happen as he enters his fifth season in Manhattan. In the three seasons that weren’t impacted by the pandemic, he has led Kansas State to eight or more wins including last year’s 10-4 finish that featured a win in the Big 12 Championship and an appearance in the Sugar Bowl.

“Chris Kleiman, K-State? (He’s) another good example of a guy who has done really well”

Brian Hartline – Ohio State Buckeyes

Hartline has been a staple in Columbus over the past decade and a half. That run started as a player for the Buckeyes and has closed with seven seasons on Ohio State’s staff. In his fist season as the program’s offensive coordinator, Feldman is sure that this could become Hartline’s stepping stool but isn’t certain that Michigan State would swing on someone that’s inexperienced.

“I could see Brian Hartline, perhaps, being interested in this job,” said Feldman. “He’s been a hot name as an assistant (at Ohio State). But now you’re rolling the dice on a guy who has not been a head coach before.”

Mike Elko – Duke Blue Devils

Elko is another coach who has found success in a hurry in a non-typical power. He started with a 9-4 season last year and doesn’t look like he’s slowing down at Duke with a season-opening win over No. 9 Clemson and a Top-25 ranking this season. That resume already has him labeled as a hot candidate for whenever he feels like it’s time to leave Durham.

“Do you have a guy like Mike Elko? People have been really impressed with what he has done (at Duke),” Feldman said.

Charles Huff – Marshall Thundering Herd

Huff was Feldman’s first non-Power Five option. Again, though, Marshall’s head coach has done some quality work in Conference USA and the Sun Belt as he starts his third season. With an 18-10 record, including an 11-4 stretch in the Herd’s last 15 appearances, he’s another that Feldman sees as someone who could be in consideration.

“Charles Huff, I think, is one, at Marshall who has got them going,” said Feldman. “I think you could see him being there.”

Sean Lewis – Colorado Buffaloes

Lewis has garnered a lot of attention considering his background and his current position on Coach Prime’s staff at Colorado. If the Buffalo’s offense keeps rolling, he could also become a name that could return to the head coaching ranks.

“One other name I’d throw out to you, which I think is a no-brainer for him. We’re talking a lot about Colorado? I have a story about Sean Lewis that’s running later this week, the offensive coordinator at CU,” added Feldman. “He did a really good job at a tough place to win in the MAC at Kent State. He was close to getting the Cincinnati job before Scott Satterfield jumped at it.”

There’s still a lot to figure out over the next few weeks when it comes to Tucker’s status as well as a potential coaching search following the result of that matter. Still, considering Michigan State’s positioning in the Big Ten, Feldman believes the Spartans could reel in a big name if things play out right.

“Those are guys you’d have to see,” said Feldman. “Would they be tempted? Because I think, on paper, (there’s) deeper resources at this place.”

“I think they’re going to have some interesting options,” said Feldman. “I do think that they will be able to woo, potentially, somebody away from a slightly smaller or smaller conference.”