EAST LANSING, Mich. – Mark Dantonio, the winningest coach in Michigan State history, rung in the New Year in Pasadena as he was officially inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame during a ceremony hosted by the Tournament of Roses on New Year's Eve. Dantonio then took part in the 136th Rose Parade on New Year's Day and was also recognized on the field during the Rose Bowl Game.
"You start playing football, you start watching games on TV, and you're going to see the Rose Bowl," said Dantonio. "You're going to figure out that it's pretty iconic and it represents so many different people. It's such a big moment I think in people's lives, to get here and play in it, and to be here and watching it. It's a celebration.
"So many people are involved in these things, top to bottom, all the different players, all the different coaches and staff, administration – there's a lot that goes into it. I'm just honored and very humbled by the whole thing."
Dantonio is now the third Spartan in the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, joining All-America running back Lorenzo White, who led MSU to a win in the 1988 Rose Bowl over USC, and Dave Kaiser, who kicked a game-winning 41-yard field goal in the final seconds of the 1956 Rose Bowl over UCLA.
Dantonio and the Spartans won the 100th Rose Bowl Game on Jan. 1, 2014, with a 24-20 win over No. 5 Stanford. Michigan State won a school-record 13 games, finished No. 3 in the national polls, and claimed the school's eighth Big Ten Championship during the 2013 season that culminated with the victory over the Cardinal in Pasadena. Mark Dantonio and LaMichael James in the 136th Rose Bowl Parade on New Year's Day 2025 in Pasadena. (Photo by Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images).
The Rose Bowl Hall of Fame ceremony capped a busy year for Dantonio. He was officially inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame at the National Football Foundation's 66th annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 10 at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, and earlier in the fall, the NFF hosted the Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute on Sept. 28 in Spartan Stadium for the MSU-Ohio State game. For becoming the latest Spartan in the College Football Hall of Fame, Dantonio's name was added to the Spartan Stadium Ring of Fame on the east upper deck.
Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush from USC and All-America running back LaMichael James from Oregon rounded out the 2024 Rose Bowl Hall of Fame Class.
The Rose Bowl Hall of Fame was established in 1989 to pay tribute to individuals who have contributed to the history and excitement of the Rose Bowl Game, and those who embody the highest level of passion, strength, tradition, and honor associated with The Granddaddy of Them All®.
With the addition of this year's class, the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame includes 146 inductees over its 35-year history. Inductees are honored with a permanent plaque that includes their name and year of induction at The Court of Champions at the Rose Bowl Stadium, forever cementing their legacy with that of The Granddaddy of Them All.
After a storied 13 seasons as head coach of the Michigan State football program, Dantonio announced his retirement on Feb. 4, 2020. He finished his career with a record of 114-57 (.667) in East Lansing and 132-74 (.641) in 16 seasons overall (2004-19). During his time at the helm of the Spartan program from 2007-19, Dantonio compiled an impressive list of accomplishments, including three Big Ten Championships (2010, 2013, 2015), two victories in the Big Ten Championship Game (2013, 2015), victories in the 2014 Rose Bowl and the 2015 Cotton Bowl, and an appearance in the 2015 College Football Playoff.
Beyond his record for most victories at MSU, Dantonio won more Big Ten Championships (three) and bowl games (six) than any other coach in school history, while also ranking first with 12 bowl appearances. His .639 (69-39) winning percentage in Big Ten games is also a school record, while he stands second in AP Top 25 finishes (seven), Big Ten wins (69), home wins (67) and AP Top 25 wins (21).
Mark Dantonio is now a member of the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame. 🌹
