Michigan State has issued a “written notice of intent to terminate” football coach Mel Tucker for cause, athletics director Alan Haller announced Monday.

Tucker has been suspended without pay since Sept. 10, shortly after news broke that he had been accused of sexual harassment by Brenda Tracy, a prominent rape survivor and activist. The school has a Title IX hearing scheduled for early October, after which Tucker’s firing is expected to become official.

“I, with the support of administration and board, have provided Mel Tucker with written notice of intent to terminate his contract for cause,” Haller said in his statement. “The notification process is required as part of his existing contract. The notice provides Tucker with seven calendar days to respond and present reasons to me and the interim president as to why he should not be terminated for cause.

“This action does not conclude the ongoing Office for Civil Rights case; that rigorous process will continue.”

Tracy, who has been counseling college athletes and coaches on sexual assault awareness for many years, accused the 51-year-old Tucker of making sexual comments and masturbating without her consent during a 2022 phone call. Tucker has claimed he and Tracy had consensual “phone sex” as part of an ongoing relationship while he was estranged from his wife.

If fired for cause, Tucker would lose any buyout of the eight-plus years remaining on his contract. He signed a new 10-year, $95-million deal late in the 2021 season.

Michigan State is 2-1 this season, having lost 41-7 to Washington this past Saturday. Defensive backs coach Harlan Barnett with former head coach Mark D’Antonio having returned as associate head coach.

The Spartans open Big Ten play at home Saturday vs. Maryland.