Getty Image
Michigan State decided to go all-in on head football coach Mel Tucker when it gave him a massive 10-year, $95 million contract in November of 2021.
Tucker was coming off an 11-2 season. One that included a victory over arch rival Michigan in just his second year at the helm of Spartans.
Less than two years later, it appears as if the gamble on Tucker wound up busting. Michigan State fired Tucker on Wednesday following allegations of sexual harassment.
Or did it?
Tucker has struggled in the time since signing the gigantic contract. Michigan State went just 5-7 in 2022. And despite a 2-0 start this season against Central Michigan and Richmond, the Spartans looked unlikely to compete with Big Ten powers Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State in 2023.
But there wasn’t much Michigan State could do about it. If the Spartans were to part ways with Tucker due to his struggles, they would be on the hook for his $9.5 million per year salary. That continues throughout the duration of his remaining contract, which didn’t expire until 2032.
Therein lies the catch.
Because Tucker was fired for cause, it saves the school from paying about $80 million. This is according to Andrew Cohen of Front Office Sports.
“MSU sent Tucker a letter earlier this month informing him that the school planned to terminate him for cause over his conduct that triggered an Early Termination Provision of the 10-year, $95 million contract he signed in 2021,” Cohen reports.
Tucker, meanwhile, was aware of this fact. He believes it’s part of why he’s being fired.
“Let’s be clear. I don’t believe MSU plans to fire me because I admitted to entirely consensual, private relationship with another adult who gave one presentation at MSU, at my behest, over two years ago,” Tucker said in a statement.
Michigan State made the Tucker firing official on Wednesday. But it sure sounds like this is far from over between the two sides.