Mel Tucker is a former college football coach who faced dismissal from Michigan State University due to allegations of sexual harassment. He served as the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans from 2020 to 2023 and was previously the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes in 2019. Tucker’s coaching career also included stints as an assistant coach with various college and NFL teams, such as Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, LSU, and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
But what do we know about his personal life, including his marital status or relationships?
Early Life and Education
Mel Tucker was born on January 4, 1972, in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Cleveland Heights High School, where he gained recognition as a standout football player. Subsequently, he pursued his education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he played as a defensive back for the Wisconsin Badgers football team. In 1995, he graduated with a degree in agricultural business management. After completing his studies, he signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. Unfortunately, his time with the team was short-lived due to contracting chickenpox during training camp, leading to his release. Following this setback, he briefly worked as a meat salesman from his car.
Career and Controversies
Tucker embarked on his coaching journey in 1997 as a graduate assistant at Michigan State, working under head coach Nick Saban. He subsequently held positions as a defensive backs coach at Miami University, LSU, and Ohio State, where he achieved a national championship in 2002 and was promoted to co-defensive coordinator in 2004.
In 2005, Tucker transitioned to the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, initially coaching defensive backs from 2005 to 2007 before assuming the role of defensive coordinator in 2008. He later joined the Jacksonville Jaguars as their defensive coordinator in 2009 and served as interim head coach for the final five games of the 2011 season following Jack Del Rio’s departure. Tucker continued with the Jaguars until 2012, after which he became the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears from 2013 to 2014.
In 2015, Tucker returned to the college football scene as an assistant head coach and defensive backs coach at Alabama under Saban, contributing to another national championship victory. He subsequently followed Kirby Smart to Georgia, where he held positions as defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach from 2016 to 2018.
In 2019, Tucker assumed the role of head coach for Colorado, leading the Buffaloes to a 5-7 record during his only season there. In February 2020, he accepted the position of head coach at Michigan State, taking over after Mark Dantonio’s retirement. He signed a lucrative six-year contract worth $5.5 million per year.
During his initial season with the Spartans, Tucker faced a challenging shortened season due to the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in a 2-5 record. However, in his second season, he achieved significant success with an 11-2 record, notable victories over rivals Michigan and Penn State, and a triumph over Pittsburgh in the Peach Bowl. In November 2021, he received a substantial 10-year, $95 million contract extension from Michigan State, solidifying his position as one of the highest-paid coaches in college football history.
Regrettably, in September 2023, Tucker was dismissed by Michigan State following allegations of sexual harassment. According to USA Today, Tucker faced accusations of making inappropriate sexual comments and engaging in lewd behavior during a phone call with Brenda Tracy, an advocate and rape survivor who had conducted a sexual assault prevention presentation to Tucker’s team in April 2022. Tracy reported the incident to the university’s Title IX office. Tucker acknowledged a personal relationship with Tracy but maintained that it was consensual. Investigations into Tucker’s conduct were ongoing, with his legal team notifying the university of their intention to preserve records for potential litigation, asserting that Tucker’s termination lacked justification and due process.
Relationship Status
According to information available on Tucker’s Wikipedia page, he is married to Jo-Ellyn Tucker, whom he met during his time at the University of Wisconsin. The couple has two sons, Joseph (born in 2000) and Christian (born in 2002), and they reside in East Lansing, Michigan.
Before the recent allegations by Tracy, Tucker had not been publicly linked to any extramarital affairs or personal scandals. He has consistently described his wife as his closest confidante, emphasizing the importance of his family in his life. Additionally, Tucker has professed a strong commitment to his faith and has articulated his aspiration to live by the Golden Rule.
In Conclusion
Mel Tucker is a former college football coach who faced dismissal from Michigan State University in September 2023 due to allegations of sexual harassment. He held coaching positions at Michigan State, Colorado, and several college and NFL teams, including Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, LSU, and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Tucker is married to Jo-Ellyn Tucker, and they have two sons. Prior to the recent allegations, he had not been associated with any reported extramarital affairs or personal controversies. Tucker has consistently emphasized the significance of his family and his adherence to the Golden Rule as guiding principles in his life.