From changing diapers to back on the sideline, Dantonio happy to help out at Michigan State

Before he received a call from Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller asking him to return to the program as associate head coach under interim head coach Harlon Barnett, former Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio was already planning to be in Spartan Stadium for the 10th anniversary celebration of his 2013 Big Ten champion and 2014 Rose Bowl champion team. Now, Dantonio is back in town to assist the Michigan State program as it moves forward in the wake of Mel Tucker’s suspension.

The parameters of Dantonio’s role at Michigan State are still being defined.

“I envision my role as an ongoing thing,” said Dantonio on Friday, in his first public comments since returning to Michigan State earlier this week. “I’m four days in. As a coach with terminology and systems in place, it takes so long to get those things. I’m sort of a consultant advisor. I’m just going to immerse myself in football and if I have something to say, I’ll say it.

“It’s their show. They are running it. I’ll just be here it help anyway that I can.”

Dantonio hasn’t had much time to reflect on the accomplishments of his 2014 Rose Bowl champion ballclub given his ongoing efforts to reacclimate himself as a football coach, but he is excited for an opportunity to reconnect with the players that made happen.

“I am really excited about the Rose Bowl reunion and seeing my guys,” Dantonio said. “I saw Darqueze Dennard and Kurtis Drummond yesterday and Bennie Fowler and Trae Waynes today. I am sure that I will see a lot of others tonight and tomorrow. I am very excited about that.”

By his own admission, Dantonio, who was happy in his retirement, never imagined he would be back coaching at the program where he won three Big Ten championships and set the mark for most wins as a head coach.

“Things happen,” said Dantonio, who was changing the diaper of one of his grandchildren when he received a phone all from Haller asking him to return to Michigan State.

While nobody would have faulted him if he had rebuffed Haller’s request, Dantonio felt a personal obligation to pitch in. He cares deeply about the Spartan program and Barnett, who is both a longtime assistant and close friend.

“I spent 19 years here as a Spartan,” said Dantonio, who spent several years on Nick Saban’s staff at Michigan State coaching defensive backs, before taking over as head coach in December of 2006 after John L. Smith was fired. “I’ve been on a small contract, and I’ve always said to Alan Haller, ‘whatever you need me to do, any time that I can help, let me know. He reached out, and I said, ‘yeah, ‘sure I will help you.’”

Dantonio believes that Barnett is the right person to help Michigan State move forward.

“He has always had great relationships with players,” Dantonio said. “He has always been a great recruiter. He is a very good football coach and players believe in him and the way he does things. Coaching is about bringing young people forward in a positive way in leadership. He is very much about that.”

Since returning to the football building on Monday, Dantonio has done his best to absorb everything he can while working 12-hour days.

“I am just trying to indoctrinate myself a little bit into everything that is going on,” Dantonio said. “I have been very impressed with the thoroughness of our coaches, the gameplan, and the structure of everything that is going on. I am really impressed with what Coach Barnett has done this week, just picking up the pieces and helping to move things forward.”

During his four years away from coaching, Dantonio hasn’t abandoned the game of football. He has frequently popped up at practice or at games of the programs where his former assistants are coaching, including Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Toledo, and elsewhere.

“It’s good to be around football and I get my football fixes and spend some time with the people who have been a part of my life,” Dantonio said. “I’ve enjoyed doing that and I have done that every year since I’ve retired, and I will probably continue to do that.”

And while it is unlikely that Dantonio can assimilate enough information to give him a comprehensive working foundation as an assistant coach, Barnett is grateful to have his mentor back in the football building to lend a helping hand and serve as a sounding board should he need advice.

“Mark Dantonio is an excellent football coach and it’s been great having him back in the building this week,” said Barnett. “Coach D brings the calming presence, the wisdom, and the knowledge of being a head coach. He is a tremendous resource for our staff and players and is willing to help with all aspects of the operation.”

During his short time back, Dantonio has been impressed with the focus and energy of Michigan State players as they prepare for a difficult match-up with No. 8 Washington amidst the distraction of Tucker’s suspension.

“It’s been very positive and great energy from the players,” Dantonio said. “I’ve been impressed with the players and their outlook on things. You’ve got to step forward.”

Throughout his career as a football coach, Dantonio has looked at adversity as an opportunity for personal growth. He sees the current situation at Michigan State in that same light.

“Every day is a new day, and to me great challenges bring on great adversity, which provides great growth,” Dantonio said. “For Coach Barnett and our football team, it is another lesson in life. And I said when I walked out of here, there is nothing that won’t be changed inevitably. Change is inevitable for all of us. It is a tough situation.”

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