Michigan State Spartans football coach Mel Tucker speaks to the media on Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, in East Lansing. Detroit Free Press
EAST LANSING — Taking over a new football program in February was a unique, rare task Mel Tucker was prepared for when Michigan State hired him as head coach.
He had no idea about the challenge that was ahead.
Exactly one month after Tucker was hired to replace Mark Dantonio, the NCAA canceled its men’s basketball tournament on March 12 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
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A day later, the Big Ten put a stop to all team activities – including spring football practices – until at least April 6, essentially eliminating Tucker’s opportunity to hold a month-worth of workouts with his new team.