Dennis Earl Stolz (born September 12, 1934) is a former American football player and coach.
He served as the head coach at Alma College (1965β1970), Michigan State University (1973β1975), Bowling Green State University (1977β1985), and San Diego State University (1986β1988), compiling a career college football record of 125β93β2.
Stolz graduated from Alma College in 1955.Stolz served as defensive coordinator and linebacker coach at Michigan State for two seasons before being promoted to succeed Duffy Daugherty as head coach on December 12, 1972.
He was selected over Johnny Majors, Lee Corso and Barry Switzer who had removed himself from consideration the previous day.
Stolz's three years as Spartans head coach was marred by a player recruiting scandal that culminated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) placing the program on three yearsβ probation on January 25, 1976.
As a result, the Spartans were prohibited from any television and bowl game appearances through the 1978 season.
Stolz resigned at the behest of university president Clifton R.
Wharton Jr.
and the board of trustees just over seven weeks later on March 16, 1976.