History of Mel Tucker in Timeline

Melvin Gene Tucker II is a well-known figure in American football. He served as the head football coach at Michigan State University from 2020 to 2023, but his career extends beyond coaching. Tucker also has experience as a former football player.

January 4, 1972: Birth of Mel Tucker

Melvin Gene Tucker II was born on January 4, 1972. This marked the beginning of the life of an individual who would go on to become a notable American football coach and former player.

1995: Graduation and Canadian Football League Attempt

Mel Tucker graduated in 1995 from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a degree in agricultural business management. He signed a contract with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League but was cut after falling ill during training camp.

1997: Start of Coaching Career

In 1997, Mel Tucker began his coaching career as a graduate assistant for Michigan State under head coach Nick Saban.

1999: Defensive Backs Coach for Miami University Redhawks

In 1999, Mel Tucker served as a defensive backs coach for the Miami University Redhawks.

2000: Defensive Backs Coach at LSU

In 2000, Mel Tucker followed Nick Saban to Louisiana State University to become the defensive backs coach for the LSU Tigers.

2001: Defensive Backs Coach at Ohio State

In 2001, Mel Tucker became the defensive backs coach for Ohio State under coach Jim Tressel.

2002: National Championship with Ohio State

In 2002, Mel Tucker was the defensive backs coach as Ohio State won a national championship.

2004: Co-Defensive Coordinator at Ohio State

In 2004, Mel Tucker was promoted to co-defensive coordinator at Ohio State.

2005: Joined Cleveland Browns

In 2005, Mel Tucker entered the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, coaching defensive backs.

2007: Cleveland Browns Defensive Backs Coach

In 2007, Mel Tucker continued his role as the defensive backs coach for the Cleveland Browns.

2008: Promoted to Defensive Coordinator

In the 2008 season, Mel Tucker was promoted to defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns.

2009: Defensive Coordinator for Jacksonville Jaguars

In 2009, Mel Tucker was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, replacing Gregg Williams.

November 29, 2011: Interim Head Coach of Jacksonville Jaguars

On November 29, 2011, Mel Tucker was named the interim head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars following the firing of Jack Del Rio.

2011: Interim Head Coach for Jacksonville Jaguars

In 2011, Mel Tucker served as the interim head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL for the final five games of the season.

January 18, 2013: Defensive Coordinator of Chicago Bears

On January 18, 2013, Mel Tucker was named the defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears.

2014: Record-setting Low Defensive Season

In 2014, the Chicago Bears, under Mel Tucker, experienced one of their worst defensive seasons, leading to his eventual replacement.

January 20, 2015: Replaced as Bears' Defensive Coordinator

On January 20, 2015, Mel Tucker was replaced as the Chicago Bears' defensive coordinator by Vic Fangio following another poor defensive season.

2015: Joined Alabama Crimson Tide

In 2015, Mel Tucker joined the Alabama Crimson Tide as the assistant head coach and defensive backs coach.

2015: Michigan State's Previous 10-win Season

In 2015, Michigan State had their last 10-win season before repeating the feat in 2017 under Mel Tucker's leadership.

2016: Defensive Coordinator at Georgia

In 2016, Mel Tucker became the defensive coordinator for the University of Georgia, a position he held through 2018.

2016: National Championship with Alabama

In 2016, Mel Tucker's team, the Alabama Crimson Tide, won the College Football Playoff National Championship.

2017: Michigan State Reaches 10 Wins

In 2017, Michigan State, under the leadership of Mel Tucker, reached 10 wins for the first time since 2015, going undefeated at home.

December 5, 2018: Head Coach of Colorado Buffaloes

On December 5, 2018, Mel Tucker signed an agreement to become the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes starting in 2019.

2018: End of Tenure as Georgia Defensive Coordinator

In 2018, Mel Tucker concluded his role as the defensive coordinator at the University of Georgia.

2019: First Season as Colorado Buffaloes Head Coach

In 2019, Mel Tucker's first season as head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes resulted in a 5–7 record.

February 12, 2020: Resigned as Colorado's Head Coach

On February 12, 2020, Mel Tucker resigned as head coach of Colorado to accept the same position at Michigan State, with a significantly higher salary.

October 24, 2020: Michigan State Debut

On October 24, 2020, Mel Tucker's Michigan State team made their debut, losing to Rutgers 38–27. The following week, they defeated in-state rival Michigan, marking Tucker's first win as a Spartan.

2020: Head Coach at Michigan State University

In 2020, Mel Tucker became the head football coach at Michigan State University, a significant career milestone in his coaching career.

November 2021: Historic Coaching Contract

In November 2021, Mel Tucker signed a guaranteed 10-year, $95 million contract with Michigan State, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football history.

2021: Strong Start for Spartans

In 2021, Mel Tucker's Michigan State Spartans started the season with an 8–0 record, including a significant come-from-behind win over in-state rival Michigan. This helped the team achieve high rankings in the AP and Coaches polls.

April 2022: Alleged Phone Call Incident Between Mel Tucker and Brenda Tracy

In April 2022, an alleged incident occurred between Mel Tucker and Brenda Tracy during a phone call. Details of the incident came to light in September 2023 when Tracy accused Tucker of sexual harassment, alleging that he masturbated during their conversation. Tucker maintained that the interaction was consensual.

2022: 2022 Michigan State Football Season

The Michigan State Spartans football team had a difficult 2022 season, ending with a 5-7 record and no bowl game appearance. After starting with wins against Western Michigan and Akron, the Spartans faced a four-game losing streak against Washington, Minnesota, Maryland, and Ohio State. Although they broke the losing streak with a win against Wisconsin, they suffered further defeats against Michigan and Penn State.

September 10, 2023: Sexual Harassment Allegations Surface Against Mel Tucker

On September 10, 2023, USA Today published an article detailing sexual harassment allegations against Mel Tucker by Brenda Tracy, a sexual assault survivor and advocate. Tracy, who had previously spoken to the Michigan State football team, alleged that Tucker had engaged in inappropriate behavior, including masturbating during a phone call in April 2022. Tucker claimed the phone call was consensual. He was suspended without pay that day, and Harlon Barnett became interim head coach. By September 18, the university initiated the process of terminating Tucker for cause while continuing their investigation. Tucker, through his attorneys, denied the allegations.

September 2023: Fired by Michigan State

In September 2023, Mel Tucker was fired by Michigan State following allegations of sexual harassment.

September 27, 2023: Mel Tucker Fired from Michigan State

On September 27, 2023, Mel Tucker was officially fired from his position as head coach of the Michigan State football team. This came after a suspension following the team's first two games of the season.