Mark Dantonio Stepping Down As Michigan State Head Coach

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It was Mark Dantonio's plan to coach next season at Michigan State. That's what he said just a couple months ago. 

Not anymore. 

Dantonio announced Tuesday that he's stepping down from the position he's held since 2007, calling it "one of the most difficult decisions that I have ever made here at Michigan State." 

"Every February since 2007, I have reset this program in preparation for the next year’s challenges," Dantonio said in a statement. "After much reflection and discussion with my family, I feel that it is now time for change as we enter into a new decade of Michigan State Football. 

"I have told our players on many occasions that ‘Michigan State is bigger than one person. Someday there will be someone else here talking to you from this podium.’ That day has come." 

To all Spartans: Thank you for everything. You have truly helped my dreams come true. pic.twitter.com/uKkubvp1cW

— Mark Dantonio (@DantonioMark) February 4, 2020

Dantonio's decision comes with the program on the downswing and the coach himself in a court battle with former staffer Curtis Blackwell. Most recently, Blackwell accused Dantonio of committing two NCAA violations, including getting jobs for the parents of two MSU players. 

Ex-MSU Staffer Says Dantonio Ignored Warnings About Troubled Recruit

Dantonio said that he intends to remain in a special-projects role with the Michigan State athletic department, namely "transitioning our players, both current and incoming, to their next challenges."

Dantonio's tenure was arguably the best in program history, marked by multiple Big Ten championships and an appearance in the College Football Playoff. 

"It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve as the head football coach at Michigan State University," he said. "I will forever be a Spartan."