The winningest coach in Michigan State football history has been awarded the highest distinction by the school’s athletic department. Mark Dantonio is being inducted into the Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame. This will be Dantonio’s third HoF induction; he has also been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame. Both of those prizes were bestowed in 2024, and this one completes the Hat Trick. I suppose the Cotton Bowl could commemorate him for his spectacular comeback in the 2014 game, which resulted in one of the all-time hits.
The induction ceremony will take place on Friday, September 12. Other inductees of the 2025 class include: -Sam Vincent (Basketball, 1981–1985) – Tony Keyes (Soccer, 1966-68) -Kori Moster (Volleyball; 2011–2014) – Caroline Powers (Golf, 2009-2013) – Nick Simmons (Wrestling; 2001–2007)
Dantonio will become the fifth head football coach and the 22nd overall coach inducted into the Michigan State University Hall of Fame. Previous football coaches included Ralph Young (1923–27), Clarence “Biggie” Munn (1947–53), Duffy Daugherty (1954–72), and George Perles (1983–94). Dantonio was MSU’s coach from 2007 to 2019, during which time he became the winningest coach in program history, surpassing Daugherty.
Whatever you think of his last several seasons in charge, this honor was unavoidable. Congratulations, Coach Dantonio. Thank you again for “Little Giants,” “He has trouble with the snap,” the 2014 Rose Bowl win, and so many more wonderful memories.