CU Buffs Head Coach Mel Tucker Hired By Michigan State

BOULDER, CO — CU Buffs' Mel Tucker has been hired as the head football coach at Michigan State, just a few days after he announced his commitment to the Buffs on Twitter. The abrupt career change is drawing criticism from players and fans.

“Can’t believe this.. crazy how promises can just be thrown away for some money,” CU running back Joe Davis tweeted.

On Saturday, Tucker said in a tweet that he is "flattered" to be considered for the Michigan State job, but that he is "committed to @CUBuffsFootball for #TheBuild of [the] program, its great athletes, coaches & supporters."

And now Tucker is leaving Colorado after one season with the CU Buffs. The coach signed a five-year, $14.7 million contract with CU in December 2018. He now owes CU $3 million for ending his contract.

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In another tweet, former Dallas Cowboy Drew Pearson said that Tucker recruited his grandson to go to CU with the promise that Tucker "wasn't going anywhere."

"[Tucker] sat there and lied to my face he wasn’t going anywhere! So I want to beat him up today on social media. What else can I do?” the tweet read.

Tucker has not issued any statements in response to the criticism.

Darrin Chiaverini was named interim head coach on Wednesday.