Michigan St. Spartans defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi has decided to turn down an offer from Texas A&M Aggies head coach Kevin Sumlin and will remain in his current position with the Spartans.
"With the success we've had as a football program, especially the last two years, people around the country have taken notice. So when provided a professional opportunity like Texas A&M, I owed it to my family to investigate it because my first obligation is to take care of my wife and children. The bottom line remains; however, that I'm very comfortable working for (head coach)) Mark Dantonio and Michigan State. The support from the top down is tremendous. Coach Dantonio, Athletics Director Mark Hollis, President (Lou Anna) Simon and our Board of Trustees have been very supportive and understanding as I've gone through this decision-making process, and I'm thankful for their patience.
"I share the same feelings that our players and coaches have that there's some unfinished business to take care of here. We're all driven to win the Big Ten Championship and win a Rose Bowl."
During the regular season, the Spartans ranked fifth in total defense in 2011, allowing just 272.7 yards per game, and were ninth in scoring defense, allowing 17.5 points per game. Michigan State ranked 12th against the run and 11th against the pass. In their 33-30 triple overtime win over the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2012 Outback Bowl, the Spartans allowed just 51 rushing yards.
For more on the parties involved, visit Michigan State blog The Only Colors and Texas A&M blog I Am the 12th Man.