As we told you last night, the AP is reporting that Michigan Sate has hired former Cincinnati Bearcat, Mark Dantonio, as their new head coach, replacing John L. Smith.

Dantonio comes to East Lansing after three yeas as the head guy in Cincy. He has a career record of 18-17, with his biggest win coming two weeks ago against undefeated Rutgers.

The deal is reportedly for five years and $1.1 million per season.

Dantonio was interviewed Saturday night and the MSU board approved the contract this morning.

Dantonio returns to Sparty, where he was the secondary coach from 1995-2000, then spent one year as the top assistant.