Michigan State former head coach Mark Dantonio, left, talks with Tom Izzo on the sideline during the first quarter in the game against Ohio State on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Who is the Greatest Football Coach in MSU History?

Originally posted on Michigan State Spartans on SI
By Spencer Barnes | Last updated Apr 30, 2025 1:15 PM ET

Michigan State football has seen a long line of great coaches, with names like Duffy Daugherty, Mark Dantonio, Clarence "Biggie" Munn, and even Nick Saban. Each left their own impact and legacy, but who stands out as the greatest coach in Michigan State Football history?

Usually, the top choice is Duffy Daughtery, who coached the Spartans from 1954 to 1972. He compiled an impressive record of 109-69-5 and led the team to two national championships in 1955 and 1965. He had an incredible impact on the game of college football by recruiting African American players from the segregated south, and shaped Michigan State into a powerhouse program.

Another strong candidate is Spartan legend Mark Dantonio, who coached from 2007 to 2019. He finished with a school record 114 wins. He led Michigan State to three Big Ten Championships and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2015. Dantonio brought a level of toughness, consistency, and energy that Spartan Nation hadn't seen since Daugherty, and left his mark on the program.

Biggie Munn is also worth mentioning, as he was Daugherty's mentor and set the stage for his dominance. Munn coached from 1947-1953 and had an incredible 54-9-2 record. He led Michigan State to its first national championship in 1952 and played an important role in laying the foundation for success at Michigan State.

Finally, there is Nick Saban, who is known primarily for his reign at Alabama. But prior to that, he coached from 1995 to 1999 for the Spartans. His record of 34-24-1 wasn't legendary, but he left the program much better than he found it, bringing stabilization and consistency to the team.

While all these coaches brought something different to Michigan State, Duffy Daugherty stands out as the rightful holder of the "greatest Michigan State head coach of all time." His championships, cultural impact, and national influence are absolutely unmatched. He literally changed the game of college football forever with his recruiting and opened the door for so many great players to thrive.

The strong line of Michigan State coaches is a testament to the program's commitment to excellence, something coach Jonathan Smith is striving to return to.

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This article first appeared on Michigan State Spartans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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