Mark Dantonio became a legend in the state of Michigan because of what he was able to do in his 13 seasons coaching the Michigan State Spartans.
His time with the Spartans fizzled out a bit as he finished with two 7-6 seasons in a row before retiring, but Dantonio’s heyday in East Lansing was quite impressive. In all but one season, he took the Spartans to a bowl game. He notched six 10-plus win seasons, won the Big Ten three times and even took MSU to the College Football Playoff in the 2015 season.
Dantonio was a great head coach who did a lot for the Spartans and he knows a thing or two about winning college football. As such, he’s a perfect addition to the College Football Playoff selection committee.
It was recently announced that he was one of five new CFP selection committee members. He joins Maryland athletic director Damon Evans, former college football reporter Ivan Maisel, Middle Tennessee State AD Chris Massaro and former Ole Miss All-American Wesley Walls as the newcomers to the 13-person group.
“The additions of Mark, Damon, Ivan, Chris and Wesley will bring some great new voices to the selection committee as we enter our 12th season,” CFP executive director Rich Clark said in a statement, per ESPN. “Each of them has tremendous knowledge, passion and dedication to college football, along with outstanding character and integrity. Their skills and wide variety of experiences — from coaches and athletes to university leaders and journalists — will ensure that they will transition in with our returning members successfully.”
Michigan AD Warde Manuel has been the chair, but he’s going to be leaving as his three-year term on the committee is complete. He’ll be replaced by Baylor AD Mack Rhoades.
Other outgoing members include Navy AD Chet Gladchuk, former Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe, NFL Hall of Famer Will Shields and former sportswriter Kelly Whiteside.
Back to Dantonio, he also coached at Cincinnati from 2004-06 and he retired with a career record of 132-74. He’s a College Football Hall of Famer, a Rose Bowl Hall of Famer and part of the Michigan State Ring of Honor.
He’s absolutely qualified to make decisions regarding the CFP for the next three seasons.
