MSU O-line coach Mark Staten finalist for Northern job

Michigan State offensive line coach Mark Staten is a finalist for the head coaching position at Northern Michigan University, the Division II school announced on Monday.

Staten is one of five finalists that will go through on-campus interviews in Marquette that begin Tuesday and run through Dec. 12.

The other finalists include Ferris State co-defensive coordinator Kyle Nystrom, Grand Valley State co-defensive coordinator Nick Postma, North Carolina-Pembroke head coach Shane Richardson and Fairmont State head coach Jason Woodman.

Staten has been at Michigan State for 10 seasons, joining the Spartans in 2007 along with head coach Mark Dantonio after spending three seasons with Dantonio at Cincinnati as tight ends/tackles coach and recruiting coordinator.

At Michigan State, Staten spent his first four years coaching tight ends and tackles before becoming the offensive line coach in 2011.