Michigan State football coach search: Ranking the Top 5 potential replacements for Mel Tucker

After firing Mel Tucker, the search for the next Michigan State football coach started in earnest.

Athletic director Allan Haller wrote an open letter to the Spartans community about the head coach candidates and the search process.

“I realize that our community has a tremendous passion for Spartan football and that there’s a great desire for more information about this process,” Haller wrote. “However, privacy is important to attract top-caliber candidates, most of whom are involved in their own current seasons.

"I expect that you will hear a lot of names and rumors. I expect to speak with many individuals throughout this process. While some are candidates, others will be resources for me as I go about my due diligence to ensure the best hire for Michigan State.”

A host of names have emerged as potential coaches to lead the Spartans. So, who are the top five favorites for the job?

#5. Pat Narduzzi

Pat Narduzzi has been the coach of Pittsburgh for over eight years now and cracked the top 25 twice. He was the defensive coordinator in East Lansing before leaving for his current job.

His prior association with the Spartans could be looked on favorably.

#4. Lance Leipold

The Kansas Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold has worked wonders with the team and even got them into the top 25 for the first time in over a decade.

He would be a highly attractive candidate for a program currently wallowing in mediocrity under interim coach Harlon Barnett.

#3. Luke Fickell

The Wisconsin Badgers coach, Luke Fickell, was very close to securing the Spartans job in 2020 but turned down the opportunity at the last minute to remain in Cincinnati.

With the Badgers at 4-2 this season, Fickell has done a commendable job with limited resources, and a chance to finally snag the one that got away for MSU could prove a sage choice.

#2. Mike Elko

Coach Mike Elko has turned Duke into a genuine top-25 side after a torrid few years before his arrival.

As a defensive coordinator at Texas A&M and Notre Dame, Elko made that department one of the best nationally, something the Spartans don't excel in.

With a 24-3 record for the Blue Devils, he would be a highly covetable candidate for the Michigan State coaching job.

#1. Urban Meyer

Fox Sports analyst and former Ohio State Buckeyes and Florida Gators coach Urban Meyer's name is also doing the rounds.

However, on an episode of "Urban's Take," Meyer put the rumors to bed.

“I got my tight circle of friends, I go to the 'Big Noon Kickoff,' and I enjoy my life,” said Meyer. “It’s not like people are asking me because people who know me know I have no interest. I love what I’m doing.”

That should have been the end of it, but speculation swirled in the college football fraternity that Urban Meyer was traveling to East Lansing to interview for the job last week.

Spartans fans even tracked a plane that flew to East Lansing, reportedly carrying Meyer.

On an episode of "The Coach JB Show," former football coach Jason Brown confirmed the rumors about Meyer being at the top of the list of Michigan State football coach candidates.

Spartans fans continue to bite their nails as their season falls apart and the search for the next coach drags on.