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Notre Dame football: Five coaches who could realistically replace Brian Kelly

By Ben Belden

Sep 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles calls a play in the 2nd quarter during game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles calls a play in the 2nd quarter during game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mark Dantonio – Head Coach, Michigan State University

Oct 8, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio walks the sidelines during the second half of a game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio walks the sidelines during the second half of a game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

For the past nine seasons, Mark Dantonio has been the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans. Prior to that, Dantonio was no stranger to coaching in the Midwest. Before Michigan State, he coached at Ohio, Purdue, Akron, Youngstown State, Ohio State and Cincinnati.

Dantonio is certainly familiar with the Midwest recruiting landscape, which would bode well for Notre Dame. His teams are physical, balanced and well-prepared. In addition, quarterbacks who have played under Dantonio have had great college careers, which lead them to NFL opportunities. Dantonio has the reputation as a winner and would be familiar with future Notre Dame opponents such as Michigan and Ohio State.

Michigan State is off to a 2-3 start, which could spur the change for both parties. Notre Dame plays at Michigan State next season, which may throw a wrench in potential talks. However, Michigan State is replaced by Michigan and then Ohio State in future seasons.

Possibility Grade: B-

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