Michigan State suspends Mel Tucker without pay; Harlon Barnett named interim head coach

East Lansing, Mich. – Michigan State vice president and athletic director Alan Haller announced Sunday evening that Spartan head football coach Mel Tucker has been suspended without pay amid the university’s ongoing investigation of sexual harassment allegations against him.

Haller said that Michigan State secondary coach Harlon Barnett will assume interim head coaching duties, while former Spartan head football coach Mark Dantonio will serve as an associate head coach. 

“The action AD Haller took comes with the full weight of my support,” Michigan State interim president Teresa K. Woodruff said. “This step to place Mel Tucker on an unpaid leave is equally necessary and appropriate for today’s circumstances. These actions are not taken likely, and I know AD Haller is making them in support of the interest of the individuals impacted.”

A USA TODAY report released Sunday morning detailed the allegations made by sexual assault survivor and victims advocate Brenda Tracy, who had previously been contracted by the university to help educate Tucker’s student-athletes on sexual violence. 

Tracy alleged that Tucker engaged in non-consensual phone sex with her. Tracy stated that Tucker had made sexually suggestive comments toward her and masturbated during the call, which occured in April 2022. Tucker admitted to the actions describedd by Tracy, but denied they were non-consensual, according to the report.

Tracy filed the Title IX report to the university in December 2022, which is when Haller said he became aware of it. Michigan State’s Office for Civil Rights subsequently commenced an investigation, per university protocol, using a third-party investigator. 

The investigator, Title IX attorney Rebecca Leitman Veidlinger, concluded her investigation on July 25. A formal hearing will occur “the week of October 5,” Haller said, which is during Michigan State football’s bye-week.

“The university’s formal conclusion of the investigation will occur once the hearing and final decision process are complete,” Haller said. “I want to emphasize again, this investigation is not complete.”

Haller noted that two initial interim measures were put in place as a result of the filed report and subsequent investigation.

“Initially, they were no contact with the complainant and then also increased oversight from me of the program but also the coach,” Haller said. “As there have been new developments before the hearing, and with the best interest of everyone, including student-athletes and the university community in mind, I have suspended Mel Tucker without pay as an additional interim measure.”

Woodruff commented on the investigation process at the news conference Sunday evening.

“I want to reinforce that these matters are unique and complex and our investigations are designed to be comprehensive and fair,” Woodruff said. “Our guiding principles are equity and process and confidentiality for all involved in order to protect the integrity of the investigation.

“In the MSU of today, when any report comes into the university, it is appropriately and rigorously reviewed. In the MSU of today, our investigative processes are fair and thorough. In the MSU of today, in all cases, we continually review interim measures to ensure appropriate actions are taken.

“So this morning’s news might sound like the MSU of old. It was not. It is not because an independent and unbiased investigation is and continues to be conducted. That investigative process is not complete and had not been referred to AD Haller or the university. That process will not be complete until there is a hearing and a final decision. It is not the MSU of old because we maintain the confidence of the claimant and the respondent, while respecting and valuing the claimant and respondent’s right to share their story. It is not (the MSU of old) because of the further action we take today.

“It is not lost on me the significance of this moment, or its impact on those involved in the case, our university community and the extended Spartan family. The MSU of today has created a culture that is welcoming, supportive and caring. The bravery and work of our collective community defines our institution and its people, not the action of any single individual. If you have heard, or experienced or know of behavior that does not seem appropriate, please know that you have the support and resources here at MSU, including our Center for Survivors, which is a confidential resource, or our Office for Civil Rights. Additionally, for those among our community for whom this information is difficult, MSU’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services is also available to help.”

Michigan State naming Harlon Barnett interim head coach

Haller said he spoke to Michigan State’s football student-athletes Sunday afternoon to inform them of the leadership change. Haller called Dantonio Sunday morning.

“His (Dantonio’s) response was, ‘Alan, whatever you need. I’m here to help,’” Haller said. “He was excited to be back. Coach D will probably be back at some point tomorrow. If not tomorrow, definitely on Tuesday. We’re still trying to figure out his role, but he definitely will wear a headset either on the sidelines or up in the booth, and he’ll offer his knowledge of his coaching career. 

“I think he’ll be a tremendous asset for our student-athletes and our staff. The student-athletes were fired up when I mentioned that to them.”

Haller did not specify when, following the reports of the allegations against Tucker, he thought of Barnett and Dantonio for their new roles on the staff.

“I think all the time,” Haller said. “I’m always processing information, processing situations. I can’t tell you that I thought of this today, yesterday or even a couple days ago. I’m always thinking. These are contingency things that I think about with all of our programs and a lot of different situations. It’s been an ongoing situation for me.”

Haller noted Barnett and Dantonio’s “deep love and care for Michigan State football, Spartan athletics, the university and the East Lansing community” as part of the reason for their hiring. 

“A former Spartan student-athlete with 21 years of coaching experience, including 15 on the Spartan sideline, coach Barnett has an incredible connection to our university and takes incredible pride in being a Spartan,” Haller said. “He has established relationships with student-athletes and is focused on their well being, first and foremost.

“Coach Dantonio not only is an exceptional football coach, but he will be an exceptional resource for Harlon.”

Barnett, 56, served as an assistant coach under Dantonio for the Spartans from 2007-17. 

Barnett left Michigan State to become defensive coordinator at Florida State in 2018. He returned to Michigan State to become part of Tucker’s staff in 2020.

Barnett played safety for Michigan State’s football team from 1986-89. 

Dantonio, 67, was Michigan State’s head coach from 2007-19. He coached defensive backs at Michigan State from 1995-00.

Haller said Barnett will be available “later this week” to meet with the media.