Spartans: Urban Meyer Football Coaching Return Looms — What We Know So Far

(Photo : Andy Lyons/Getty Images) NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Urban Meyer the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium.

The Michigan State Spartans are searching for a new coach to replace Mel Tucker, and the name of Urban Meyer has cropped up.

The controversial coach will reportedly interview for the Spartans head coaching vacancy, and Bernie Fratto of Fox Sports, citing a source, adds that the 59-year-old may have many backers over in Michigan State.

😍My best mole tells me #UrbanMeyer will interview with #MichiganState for their HC position. Stay tuned. Yes, it's real. It's possible. He has a lot of backers, so we'll see where this goes.@FoxSportsRadio
— Bernie Fratto (@BernieFratto) October 3, 2023

However, his colleague, Brady Quinn, immediately negated Fratto's claim, saying he heard otherwise. Fratto insisted that there was mutual interest between the Spartans and Meyer.

I’ve heard otherwise… 🤷🏻‍♂️ but I’m sure you’re better connected.
— Brady Quinn (@Brady_Quinn) October 3, 2023

Linking Meyers to Michigan State is not surprising, given his success in Utah, Florida, and Ohio State. He has also produced three national championships that further back his credibility.

However, his stock took a plunge after he was dragged through controversies. Among them included his brief tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he was criticized for violating practice rules during organized team activities, ESPN reported.

Aside from that, a video came out showing Meyers touching a woman who was not his wife inappropriately at his restaurant in Columbus.

In the end, Meyers wrapped up his stint with the Jaguars with a 2-11 win-loss record. It was the fourth-shortest coaching tenure in NFL history.

Meyers may not adhere to MSU standards

Given his controversial history, it would be hard to fathom seeing Urban Meyers being the next coach of the Spartans. Although they are rebuilding, the fact remains that they are very conscious of their image and are careful about the type of employees they take in.

Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller posted a public letter to inform fans of their coaching search and did not specify a deadline on who would replace Tucker, the Detroit Free Press reported.

"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," part of Haller's message read via the Michigan State Athletics website.