Report: Michigan State's Tucker drew NFL interest before inking extension

NFL teams inquired about Mel Tucker's interest in coaching at the pro level before he signed a lucrative contract extension with Michigan State, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Tucker - who reversed the Spartans' downward trajectory within two seasons - inked a 10-year, $95-million extension before the NCAA regular season ended. His new deal contains more guaranteed money than any other college football head coach's contract, according to Schefter; private donors funded the pact.

Tucker took over in East Lansing from longtime coach Mark Dantonio and led the program to 10 wins this season. He's 2-0 against rival Michigan and 2-2 against teams ranked in the top 10.

The 49-year-old possesses NFL experience, but his only head coaching stint came with the Jacksonville Jaguars on an interim basis in 2011. He's served as a defensive coordinator for the Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, and Chicago Bears.

Tucker spent one season as the head coach at Colorado before joining Michigan State in 2020.

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