While it isn’t under the best of circumstances, Mark Dantonio is coming back home to help right the ship of Michigan State football. Dantonio, whose role is unclear, is coming back to serve as a resource for interim head coach Harlon Barnett.
Despite the circumstances, many fans (and reportedly, some players) were excited about the return of Dantonio to East Lansing, and you can find the best reactions below.
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Haller called Mark Dantonio this morning and asked him to come back. His response: "Alan, whatever you need." Dantonio is expected back in town tomorrow. Haller adds "the student-athletes were fired up" when they learned of Dantonio's return.
— Stephen Brooks (@StephenM_Brooks) September 10, 2023
If Mark Dantonio is anywhere near the front of the team when they come out of the tunnel against Washington I will shead multiple tears
— 𝘽𝙇𝙀𝙀𝘿𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙂𝙍𝙀𝙀𝙉 (@DETszn) September 10, 2023
If there’s one thing Spartan nation can agree on it’s we alll love mark Dantonio and he is a true Spartan for life
— SSN Michigan State (@SSN_MichiganSt) September 10, 2023
Mark Dantonio is a true Spartan pic.twitter.com/Jo0P1GfQVY
— Barstool Spartans (@BarstoolMSU) September 10, 2023
Mark Dantonio reappearing on the Michigan State sidelines like pic.twitter.com/5zdsfRvcWj
— Alejandro Zúñiga (@ByAZuniga) September 10, 2023
Can you imagine the pandemonium on this app if Mark Dantonio comes back and beats Michigan? Chaos.
— HopMan (@HopmanMSU) September 10, 2023
You need awareness in college football.
Enter Mark Dantonio. pic.twitter.com/94DRbxsZTI
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) September 10, 2023
Associate head coach: Mark Dantonio
Would’ve never thought I’d be seeing that after his retirement.
— 𝕊𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕒𝕟 𝔽𝕒𝕟 (@SpartyOn70) September 10, 2023
I obviously had no idea what was coming when I posted this yesterday, but now I'm worried the Spartan Stadium stands may collapse from the reaction if the big screens show Mark Dantonio walking out of the tunnel at 5pm Saturday. https://t.co/a4xaIrnNkq
— Ericks🟢n Kiva (@EricksonKiva) September 10, 2023
I’m guessing Mark Dantonio will be running things behind the scenes – day-to-day organizational stuff. He’s incredibly organized and I’m sure it would be a massive help to someone like Barnett who’s yet to be a head coach.
— Adam Ruff (@AdamRuffPhoto) September 10, 2023
Mark Dantonio: pic.twitter.com/mweQhhD0n0
— Noah Kim Heisman Year ⏰⏰ (@woodshedchopper) September 10, 2023
A 10-years-younger looking Mark Dantonio on a golf course somewhere getting the call that he needs to come back and save MSU football: pic.twitter.com/tJMA4pj3kQ
— Mady Rose (@madirosefaith) September 10, 2023
“Alan, whatever you need. I’m here to help.” – Mark Dantonio.
nice to see he still bleeds the green and white and is willing to step up when he’s needed.
will forever love Mark Dantonio
— Connor (@ConnorMerecki) September 10, 2023
MARK DANTONIO IS BACKKKKKKK pic.twitter.com/Ubu3OUjk6b
— Sport thoughts (@Sprez12) September 10, 2023
The fact that dantonio is coming back with this roster pic.twitter.com/ta0p2jGGXY
— Jrd Flx (@brocc_yak) September 10, 2023
How wild of a story would it be if Harlon Barnett and Mark Dantonio lead this team to a Big Ten Championship?
— Andrew Wilson (@Iwanna_go_home) September 10, 2023
I was critical of Coach Dantonio when he left but this is remarkable what he's stepping up to do for this time in its time of need.
Thanks so much, Coach D https://t.co/EKkvLk1f6w
— Chris Norman (@hockeynewman) September 10, 2023
Mark Dantonio & Harlon Barnett leading the charge out of the tunnel on Saturday 😤 pic.twitter.com/5FlsGz2Io6
— Spartan Peanut Gallery (@_SpartanDawgs) September 10, 2023
Thank you Coach D! #MSU #Spartans #Dantonio #goGREEN #SpartansWill https://t.co/af28Eq78jP pic.twitter.com/Bp3bbHkeoX
— 🔥Spartycus🔥 (@SpartyW) September 10, 2023
I can't believe Dantonio agreed to come back. Hell of a Spartan.
— Isaac (@WorldofIsaac) September 10, 2023
BRING ME TO LIFE, COACH DANTONIO pic.twitter.com/C0kndcFef6
— Connor (@ConnorMerecki) September 10, 2023
I have no clue what will happen on the field this season or beyond it, but I know that this man returning at a critical time for both the football program and the university will have a massive impact in restoring something good. pic.twitter.com/IpZWpF0mYF
— Greg Waddell (@gwizzy12) September 10, 2023
Dantonio and Barnett are beating Washington
— Hoggard SZN (@DaddyHoggard) September 10, 2023
Hearing reports Dantonio’s motorcade has arrived on campus. pic.twitter.com/BmoiUantM6
— SnoopySparty🏴☠️🏴☠️🏴☠️🏴☠️ (@SnoopySparty7) September 10, 2023
Can’t say enough how huge it is for Dantonio to come back and help out! Massive just having his presence in the locker room!
— Daily MSU (@daily_msu) September 10, 2023
Lately it’s been hard to be proud to be a Spartan. But Dantonio offering any help he can and coming out of retirement to help coach is what it means to be a Spartan. Helping other Spartans out when help is needed is what it means to be a Spartan 🤍💚 Remember that.
— Jennifer (@calispartan7) September 11, 2023
