Mel Tucker is no longer "committed" to CU Buffs, as he had previously stated. So, just kidding, Buffs!
CU Buffs head coach Mel Tucker is now set to coach for Michigan State, according to Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports and The Athletic via Twitter.
BREAKING: #CU coach Mel Tucker has agreed in principle to become the new head coach at #MichiganState, per sources. After Tucker turned down initial interest, MSU power brokers came back repeatedly to Tucker’s reps w/ an offer that was impossible to ignore https://t.co/qjOH0qKirQ
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) February 12, 2020
This bit of news has come as quite a shock, especially since Tucker has repeatedly reaffirmed everyone of his "commitment to CU Buffs Football" over the last few days. During a media tour just a few hours before it was announced he'd made a deal with Michigan, Tucker explained why he had rejected offers from Michigan State to stay in Boulder.
He spoke with KOA radio, saying, "It's always flattering when someone shows strong interest in you. I think that shows that we must be doing something right here."
However, things quickly changed on Tuesday night, as Tucker then made a deal to leave CU for Michigan State.
While I am flattered to be considered for the HC job @MSU_football, I am committed to @CUBuffsFootball for #TheBuild of our program, its great athletes, coaches & supporters. #UnfinishedBusiness #GoBuffs
— Mel Tucker (@Coach_mtucker) February 8, 2020
We are #Relentless #Culture #TheBuild
Quite the turn of events, wouldn't you say?
Apparently, the payday for Tucker was just too big of an opportunity to miss out on. According to The Athletic, Michigan State will "more than double" Tucker’s guaranteed $2.4 million salary, as well as provide more resources to build his staff.
But that decision has left many people frustrated and angry, with good reason. Check out some of the reactions on Twitter:
Mel Tucker saying he’s staying at Colorado pic.twitter.com/7ITjqkAl21
— Chris Lyle (@lylestyle23) February 12, 2020
College football a dirty game. I get Mel Tucker went where the money was. But he TRIPLED down that he wasn’t leaving CU.
— PJ Green (@PJGreenTV) February 12, 2020
He wasn’t in negotiations ok. But still, if you gon commit honor your commitment. Coaches expect recruits to honor their verbal commitments but not them?
#MelTucker Your integrity is garbage you greedy butt sock
— WCDATMUSIC (@wcdatmusic) February 12, 2020
Colorado fans arent mad Mel Tucker got paid, or even left. They understand the economics of it.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) February 12, 2020
They're mad he was doing the booster dinner hours AFTER signing w/ Mich St.
They're mad he made it a point to do a media tour claiming his commitment to CU, that he turned MSU down
— ً (@shaad210) February 12, 2020
Especially when you look me in the eye https://t.co/xs8MWWa089
— ً (@shaad210) February 12, 2020
MEL TUCKER IS A CON MAN! He recruited my grandson to go to CU said he wasn’t going anywhere then ups and leaves. Sat there and lied to my face he wasn’t going anywhere!
— Drew Pearson (@88DrewPearson) February 12, 2020
So I want to beat him up today on social media.
What else can I do?
quick recap of Mel Tucker's time at CU: pic.twitter.com/TkyjlrTfWE
— Ryan Greene 📷 (@RyanCBS4) February 12, 2020
Rick George, Athletic Director at CU, officially announced on Wednesday that Tucker has resigned as head coach, effective immediately.
"We are disappointed to see Coach Tucker leave," said George in a statement. "We are excited about the upward trajectory of our football program and we'll get to work immediately hiring the next head coach to build on our momentum and lead our young men."
So, what are your thoughts on this whole Mel Tucker "betrayal" situation with the CU Buffs? Sound off with your thoughts in the comments below.
