Report: Michigan State preparing 10-year, $95M extension for Tucker

Michigan State is working on a 10-year, $95-million extension for head coach Mel Tucker, sources told Chris Solari and David Jesse of the Detroit Free Press.

Tucker's raise would be privately funded by Michigan State alumni Mat Ishbia and Steve St. Andre through a donation to the university, Solari and Jesse add.

The deal would also make Tucker the highest-paid coach in the Big Ten, topping Penn State head coach James Franklin's estimated annual salary of $7 million.

Tucker emphasized his commitment to Michigan State when asked about reports surrounding a potential extension.

"I always made it clear (Michigan State) is a destination job, not a stepping stone," Tucker said Thursday on "The Draymond Green Show," according to Brett McMurphy of The Action Network. "It was never my intention to come here and just pass through. I believe we're building something special, and we're on the right track."

After a one-season stint at Colorado, Tucker signed a six-year contract with the Spartans in 2020 when he replaced Mark Dantonio. He was 2-5 in his debut campaign at Michigan State last year but has helped the program post a 9-1 record so far in 2021. The Spartans rank seventh in the latest College Football Playoff rankings ahead of their marquee matchup against No. 4 Ohio State on Saturday.

The 49-year-old Tucker was rumored to be a top candidate for some high-profile coaching vacancies, including LSU's, which triggered Michigan State to work on a long-term extension for him, according to Solari and Jesse.

Tucker's $5.63 million in total compensation ranks 13th in the nation among coaches this year, according to USA Today. Alabama head coach Nick Saban tops the list with $9.75 million.