EAST LANSING — Early next month, Michigan State could be preparing for its second trip to the Big Ten championship game in three years.

It's also probably about the time rumors will feverishly fly about defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi, who again will be a hot name for head coaching openings.

The Spartans have the nation's No. 1-ranked defense and just dominated rival Michigan 29-6 on Saturday to improve to 5-0 in the Big Ten.

Narduzzi has interviewed for openings in the past, but also is committed to Mark Dantonio and Michigan State.

"I'd certainly like to be a head coach some day, at the right time," Narduzzi said on CBS Sports Network's "Fast Forward" on Tuesday night.

"I guess you kind of have to let it happen. I think, when you try to go after something so hard, sometimes, it doesn’t happen. Certainly, I get anxious to want to do that one day. But I'm also anxious to do it at the right place and make the right decision."

Narduzzi currently makes $512,500 annually at Michigan State. Since he and Dantonio arrived, the Spartans are 59-29, including 5-2 against the Wolverines.

Narduzzi interviewed for the Akron job in 2011 before Michigan State played in the Outback Bowl. He also was offered Texas A&M's defensive coordinator job after the Spartans beat Georgia in Tampa.

He's made it clear he won't leave for just any job.

"I've got four children, and they love living in East Lansing, one at Michigan State University. Right now, we've got a great situation. If things are much better someplace else, that’s something the Narduzzi family has to look at," Narduzzi said.

— Email Josh Slagter at jslagter@mlive.com. Download the "Michigan State" football (iPhone & Android) and basketball (iPhone & Android) MLive apps