MSU Suspends Head Coach Mel Tucker Amid Sexual Harassment Investigation

EAST LANSING, MI — Michigan State University suspended head football coach Mel Tucker indefinitely Sunday while a sexual harassment investigation plays out, Michigan State University Athletic Director Alan Haller said.

Brenda Tracy, a prominent sexual assault prevention advocate, accused Tucker of making unwanted sexual comments about her and masturbated during a phone call on April 28, 2022, according to a USA TODAY report.

Tucker told investigators he did masturbate on the call, but then said it was a consensual encounter, according to the report.

The university said the Title IX investigation was completed in July and a hearing is scheduled for Oct. 5-6.

Haller said Harlon Barnett will act as interim head coach and Mark Dantonio will act as an associate head coach.

Tucker signed with the Spartans before the 2020 season and then quickly became one of the highest paid coaches in college football with a 10-year, $95 million contract extension in 2021.

Over four seasons as head coach, Tucker went 20-14 with his best season coming in 2021 when he won 11 games and defeated Pittsburgh in the Peach Bowl.

The Spartans started the year 2-0 this season under Tucker.