Michigan State announces details of Mel Tucker contract extension

The Michigan State Spartans have officially agreed to terms on a contract extension with head football coach Mel Tucker. The extension has been in the works for quite some time now as the two sides figured out how the contract would break down. It was believed, by many, that the new deal would be in the “Nick Saban” range of money. And, according to the numbers released by Michigan State, the deal is exactly that and some.

Tucker has agreed to a 10-year deal worth $95 million. That deal is set to expire in January of 2032.

Michigan State University vice president and director of athletics Alan Haller explained the decision to extend Tucker so early in his tenure with the Spartans.

“The decision to extend Mel Tucker’s contract is not based on one year of results, but rather it’s an investment in a promising future for Spartan football. Since his hire in February 2020, the program has experienced high levels of success in three key areas: student-athlete development – on and off the field, recruiting momentum and donor and alumni base engagement and support. Mel has brought an energy to this program which has benefited not only our athletic department, but also the university and the surrounding community,” said Haller

Adam Rittenberg of ESPN also gave this breakdown of Mel tucker’s new mega contract.  

“$9.5 million per year, including a $5.9 million base, $3.2 million in supplemental compensation for media and personal appearances, plus a $400,000 contingent annual bonus. The contract expires on January 15, 2032,” said Rittenberg via Twitter. 

The contract is also fully guaranteed.

More about Mel Tucker

After the departure of long-time coach Mike D’Antonio, Michigan State went after Mel Tucker. Despite just one season at Colorado, he was viewed as a rising star in the industry with time spent at Alabama and Georgia as an assistant.

The Spartans went 2-5 in Tucker’s first season, which was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. But Michigan State hit a new gear this year, now 9-1 over the first 10 games. They are now ranked No. 7 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, with a win over No. 6 Michigan and an upcoming game against No. 4 Ohio State.

Tucker made a huge splash in the transfer portal last offseason, when he landed Wake Forest transfer Kenneth Walker III. Walker has become a Heisman contender this season, leading the nation with 148.3 rush yards per game — a stark contrast to last year when Michigan State’s run game was almost non-existent.