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Mike MacIntyre's father has never seen him as a head coach in person. George MacIntyre is bedridden 24 hours a day with multiple sclerosis back home in Tennessee, glued to the television each time San Jose State takes the field.

They talk before and after each game, with dad often quick to offer praise of his son's players and even instructions to target a particular receiver more regularly.

There's already plenty to cheer for the MacIntyre family, with Mike's Spartans (10-2) ranked No. 25 in the BCS and heading to the Dec. 27 Military Bowl in Washington, D.C., two years after a 1-12 showing in his first season. San Jose State accepted the bid Friday.

MacIntyre had held out slim hopes of coaching in front of his father in the Music City Bowl in Nashville.