December 30, 1998

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State assistant head coach Todd Grantham, who has served as defensive line coach the last three seasons, has been promoted to the position of defensive coordinator and former South Carolina assistant Brad Lawing has been named defensive line coach, MSU head coach Nick Saban announced Wednesday. Grantham replaces Chris Cosh, who resigned Dec. 11 to become linebackers coach at South Carolina.

The 32-year-old Grantham has immediately paid dividends on the Spartan coaching staff. Twice during his three-year tenure, the Spartans have ranked among the NCAA leaders in rushing defense (24th in 1997 and 22nd in '96) and total defense (13th in '97 and 19th in '96). In 1998, Michigan State's defensive line produced 47 tackles for losses (159 yards), including 22 sacks (115).

"Todd Grantham has been in our defensive system for three years, and he's done a good job with the defensive line," Saban said. "Todd has done an outstanding job in developing our defensive linemen, and he deserves the opportunity to serve as defensive coordinator. Last year, he took on the added responsibilities of assistant head coach and performed well."

Grantham, a Pulaski, Va., native previously spent six seasons under Frank Beamer at Virginia Tech (1990-95), the last two years as defensive line coach.

The 41-year-old Lawing comes to Michigan State following 10 years at South Carolina (1989-98), where he coached the defensive line and served as recruiting coordinator under Sparky Woods and Brad Scott. During his stint with the Gamecocks, he helped produce two NFL players, in Corey Miller (New York Giants) and Gerald Dixon (San Diego Chargers), and coached three All-Southeastern Conference players, in nose tackle Eric Sullivan, tackle Henry Taylor and end Stacy Evans. In addition, his last three recruiting classes were ranked among the nation's top 25 by the scouting services.

The Hickory, N.C., native previously worked for six seasons at Appalachian State (1983-88), where he coached the defensive line for five years and the tight ends and offensive tackles for one season. Lawing tutored eight all-conference players, including Southern Conference Player of the Year Anthony Downs in 1987, and future NFL players Tommy Dawkins and Mike Frier. Over his final four seasons, the Mountaineers compiled a combined record of 34-12-2 (.729), including back-to-back Southern Conference championships in 1986 and '87 and consecutive trips to the NCAA I-AA playoffs.

"Brad Lawing was the best candidate we interviewed," Saban said. "He has the reputation of being a great teacher, in terms of techniques and fundamentals. Brad also has developed a solid reputation as a recruiter."

A 1979 graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne College, Lawing earned a master's degree in athletic administration from Appalachian State in '84.