Mark Dantonio reflects on life of Earle Bruce

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Earle Bruce left his mark on dozens of football coaches across the country. And that includes Zanesville native and current Michigan State head football coach Mark Dantonio.

Like many, Dantonio was sadden to hear the news last week that former OSU head football coach Earle Bruce had passed away at the age of 87. Dantonio was one of many who got his start working under Bruce before going off to have success of his own. Dantonio, who has been the Spartans head coach since 2007, served as a graduate assistant at Ohio State under Bruce during the 1983 and ’84 season.

At a public memorial for Bruce on Wednesday at St. John Arena, Dantonio, a 1974 graduate of Zanesville High School, talked about what Bruce meant to him.

“He had a big impact on me as a coach during a period in my life where I was still learning how to be a good coach. He taught me life lessons about toughness. He was a special man,” said Dantonio.

Bruce severed as the head coach of the Buckeyes from 1979-1987. He had the difficult task of replacing Woody Hayes. By the time he left the school he compiled an overall record of 81-26-1 and won four Big Ten titles.

Wednesday, hundred of former players, coaches, and fans gathered in St. John Arena to remember the man who patrolled the Buckeye sideline for nine years.

Those who spoke at the podium about Bruce included Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer, and Tony Alford. Dantonio sat in the crowd and listened to their stories while also thinking about his own memories of the fiery coach.

“Every now and then I say somethings that Earle would of said and I”ll pound my fist on our staff table up at Michigan State. He was a special guy and he had a way of motivating you. He was a very emotional guy. I don’t want to say soft but he was very caring,” said Dantonio.

Bruce will be laid to rest Thursday morning during a private ceremony for family and friends.