Defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi announced Friday night that he will return to Michigan State for the 2012 season.
Narduzzi recently interviewed for the coordinator's job at Texas A&M. He also had been a candidate for head-coaching jobs at Illinois and Akron.
Narduzzi, who is expected to receive a substantial raise, has been coach Mark Dantonio's defensive coordinator for the last eight years (three at Cincinnati and five at MSU).
“With the success we’ve had as a football program, especially the last two years, people around the country have taken notice," Narduzzi said in a statement. "So when provided a professional opportunity like Texas A&M, I owed it to my family to investigate it because my first obligation is to take care of my wife and children.
"The bottom line remains; however, that I’m very comfortable working for Mark Dantonio and Michigan State. The support from the top down is tremendous. Coach Dantonio, Athletics Director Mark Hollis, President (Lou Anna) Simon and our Board of Trustees have been very supportive and understanding as I’ve gone through this decision-making process, and I’m thankful for their patience.
“I share the same feelings that our players and coaches have that there’s some unfinished business to take care of here. We’re all driven to win the Big Ten Championship and win a Rose Bowl.”
Michigan State's defense statistically ranked in the Top 10 nationally in several categories this season. The Spartans finished 11-3, losing in the Big Ten championship game but winning the Outback Bowl.
“We’re excited about keeping the coaching staff intact," Dantonio said. "Staff continuity has been a key component in our sustained success.
"Prior to Texas A&M aggressively pursuing Pat Narduzzi, Mark Hollis had already identified the financial resources to make sure that not only Pat, but all of our assistant coaches, had salaries that are competitive in the Big Ten. We understand that our continued success will provide professional opportunities for our student-athletes and coaches alike.
“There’s no doubt that Pat will be a head coach sometime soon, but for now, we’re excited that he remains a Spartan as we continue our pursuit of another Big Ten Championship and our first trip to the Rose Bowl.
“With back-to-back 11-win seasons, a bowl victory over Georgia and a coaching staff that remains intact, we have a lot of momentum as we head down the stretch toward signing day.
“We’re on the verge of accomplishing some special things here at Michigan State, but we can’t do it alone. To reach our ultimate goals, it will take a championship effort from all of our stakeholders: our coaches, administration, alumni and fans. We all must continue to support our student-athletes in their quest for championships.”
Narduzzi is arguably MSU's best recruiter. High school players can begin signing official letters of intent on Feb. 1.
Extra point
Junior running back Edwin Baker has decided to enter the NFL draft rather than return for his final year of eligibility.
Unlike teammate Jerel Worthy, Baker is not expected to be a high pick.
Baker finished second on the team in rushing this season with 665 yards, behind sophomore Le'Veon Bell's 948 yards.
With Bell, Larry Caper and Nick Hill returning, the Spartans have plenty of depth at running back to overcome losing Baker.
