On Wednesday, Michigan State announced the formal firing of football coach Mel Tucker, just one week after providing him with a written notice of intent to terminate his contract for cause.
The dismissal comes amid Michigan State’s investigation into sexual harassment allegations against Tucker, with the university citing in a statement that Tucker’s “admitted and undisputed behaviors which have brought public disrespect, contempt and ridicule upon the university” as reason for his termination. According to MSU, Tucker failed to provide “adequate reasons” to athletic director Alan Haller and interim president Teresa Woodruff as to why he shouldn’t be terminated for cause.
Tucker’s attorneys filed a formal response Monday to MSU’s written notice of intent, saying Tucker “did not engage in unprofessional or unethical behavior or ‘moral turpitude’ by any stretch of the imagination.” The university released a copy of Tucker’s termination letter from Haller on Wednesday. Haller said Tucker’s response provided “a litany of excuses for his inappropriate behavior.”
The university’s investigation into the allegations will continue, regardless of Tucker’s participation in an upcoming hearing on Oct. 5 and 6 or his being fired. Michigan State named Harlon Barnett interim coach, subject to board approval during its October meeting. Barnett was acting head coach during Tucker’s suspension.
The Spartans hired Tucker from Colorado in February 2020. In November 2021, he signed a 10-year, $95 million contract extension, making him one of college football’s highest-paid coaches. He amassed a 20-14 record at MSU and had about $80 million remaining on his contract.
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