Hours after a report came out regarding a sexual harassment investigation into Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker, Michigan State has reportedly fired Tucker.
The school has announced a 5 p.m. ET news conference for Sunday, where they are expected to officially announce the termination and what will come next.
Mel Tucker fired as Michigan State’s coach, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ. Secondary coach Harlon Bennett will be MSU’s interim coach w/former coach Mark Dantonio expected to assist in an undefined role. MSU investigating allegations Tucker sexually harassed activist/rape…
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) September 10, 2023
Tucker allegedly sexually harassed activist Brenda Tracy in a series of phone calls, sent her gifts, and attempted to invite her to his hotel room. Tucker admitted the calls took place but claimed it was consensual. He has been under a Title IX investigation for much of 2023, although the report did not come out until recently.
Tucker coached at Michigan State since 2020 and went 19-15 in three-plus seasons.
Tucker will be replaced by secondary coach Harlon Bennett on an interim basis. Bennett has never been a head coach but was the defensive coordinator at Florida State from 2018-19 and was the co-defensive coordinator at Michigan State before that.
Former head coach Mark Dantonio will also return in an undefined role. Dantonio coached the Spartans from 2007-19 and his 114 wins are the most in program history. Dantonio will likely be a guiding force for Bennett, who coached under Dantonio in the past.
Michigan State is 2-0 this season with wins over Central Michigan and Richmond. They host Washington on September 16.
