Multiple Michigan State off-field staff members set to depart the program
Multiple Michigan State football off-field staff members are set to depart the program following the hire of head coach Jonathan Smith, sources confirm to SpartanMag.com. Sources also tell SpartanMag.com the staffers were offered the opportunity to remain with the program, but they declined.
Among those departing are executive director of player personnel and recruiting Mark Diethorn, assistant directors of player personnel Lino Lupinetti and Sam Kukura, director of recruiting operations Tyler Johnson and director of on-campus recruiting Jenna Learn.
Diethorn—who was hired on May 1—replaced former Spartan general manager Saeed Khalif. The Belle Vernon, Pitt., native began his career at Florida as a personnel intern. Diethorn also spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh prior to being named the director of player personnel at Virginia Tech.
As the head of Michigan State’s recruiting department, Diethorn was tasked with hiring a new staff following Saeed’s departure. Lupinetti, Kukura, Johnson and Learn were hired this offseason and remained with the program during its tumultuous season.
Lupinetti came to East Lansing from Virginia Tech, where he and Diethorn first crossed paths. He held the role of director of player personnel for the Hokies.
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Diethorn hired Kukura away from Pittsburgh, where he worked as a personnel assistant under former Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi.
Johnson had previous stops at both Texas and Jacksonville State, while Learn rose quickly through the ranks at South Florida.
Diethorn also retained director of player personnel Sean Levy and defensive analyst Darius Hicks, who was promoted to director of scouting.
Additionally, SpartanMag.com can confirm the report from FootballScoop.com that Michigan State director of football operations Ben Mathers will leave the program.
