This much we know: Pat Narduzzi, Michigan State's famed defensive coordinator, is out the door to Pittsburgh. But, much like his foe Urban Meyer, Mark Dantonio could be facing a much bigger exodus.
From Joe Rexrode of Freep.com:
Defensive backs coach Harlon Barnett and linebackers coach Mike Tressel are the leading candidates to replace Narduzzi and take over MSU's defense as well. It's possible Dantonio could try to elevate both and have co-coordinators – as he does on offense with Dave Warner and Jim Bollman.
Or one could end up as his defensive coordinator and the other running the defense for Narduzzi, who is reported by Sports Illustrated and ESPN.com to be taking the Pitt job.
And Narduzzi is going to need offensive assistants as well. MSU quarterbacks coach Brad Salem jumps out as a potential candidate to be his offensive coordinator – he was head coach at Augustana College from 2005-09 before coming to MSU. MSU offensive line coach Mark Staten also could be a candidate, especially considering the fact that he recruits Pennsylvania for MSU.
Heavy is the head that could one day soon wear the Cotton Bowl crown.
