Michigan State hires Dantonio as new coach

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) _ Mark Dantonio is leaving the University of Cincinnati to become the new football coach at Michigan State. <br/><br/>MSU trustees unanimously approved a recommendation to hire

Monday, November 27th 2006, 6:07 am

By: News On 6

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) _ Mark Dantonio is leaving the University of Cincinnati to become the new football coach at Michigan State.

MSU trustees unanimously approved a recommendation to hire Dantonio Monday morning. The five-year contract guarantees him about $1.1-million a year and includes a $200,000 signing bonus and incentives.

Michigan State first interviewed Dantonio on Saturday night, followed up by a second interview with university president Lou Anna Simon Sunday morning.

Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini, Central Michigan coach Brian Kelly, Philadelphia Eagles assistant Pat Shurmur and Miami Dolphins assistant Charlie Baggett also were candidates for the opening.