Report: Kansas' Leipold, WSU's Dickert early candidates for Michigan State job

Michigan State is kicking off its search for a new head coach, and the Spartans apparently have two strong names atop their list.

Kansas head coach Lance Leipold and Washington State sideline boss Jake Dickert have emerged as Michigan State's top candidates in the early stages of the school's search, reports Bruce Feldman of The Athletic.

Leipold has done an impressive job in two-plus seasons with the Jayhawks. After helping Kansas become bowl-eligible for the first time since 2008 last season, his outfit is once again 4-0 in 2023. It's the first time Kansas has started back-to-back campaigns with four wins in as many games since 1913-15, according to PFF.

Meanwhile, the Dickert-led Cougars are also 4-0 this season. The 40-year-old has posted a 14-9 record since being named Washington State's head coach prior to the 2021 campaign.

Other head coaches who are expected to get some consideration for Michigan State's vacant job, according to Feldman, include Duke's Mike Elko, Minnesota's P.J. Fleck, Toledo's Jason Candle, and Tulane's Willie Fritz. Chris Klieman is also on the list, but the Kansas State boss recently said has no interest in pursuing the Spartans' job.

Michigan State is looking for a head coach to replace Mel Tucker, whom the Spartans officially fired for cause on Wednesday amid an ongoing university sexual harassment investigation. Tucker coached the team for three-plus seasons.