Published: November 03, 2009 08:25 am      

Ex-MSU coach mulls run for governor

DETROIT (AP) -- Former Michigan State University football coach George Perles says he intends to announce after New Year's Day if he'll run for governor.

The third winningest coach in Spartan history (68-67-4) told The Associated Press on Monday that at the moment, he's "just looking into it."

The 75-year-old Democrat and Detroit native has been a member of the Michigan State Board of Trustees since 2006.

Perles was named MSU head coach in 1983 and has two Big Ten titles and a Rose Bowl victory. Before being fired in 1994, he served briefly as the school's athletic director.

Lt. Gov. John Cherry, state Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith and health care advocate John Freeman also are seeking the Democratic gubernatorial nod. House Speaker Andy Dillon is considering a run.