Tom Izzo reveals he had ‘serious’ discussions with NBA team about coaching vacancy
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Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said Wednesday that he had significant discussions with the Phoenix Suns about their head coaching vacancy last offseason.
There’s a connection between the Suns and Izzo, as that franchise is owned by former Michigan State basketball player Mat Ishbia. He played for Izzo and was on Michigan State’s National Championship team in 2000.
Izzo made the comments during an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show on Wednesday.
“I’ve had more than a couple job offers in the NBA,” Izzo said. “Looked at one last year with Phoenix and my former player Mat Ishbia. That was hard. That was a hard thing to turn down. Number one, because I kind of wanted to go with him … We talked seriously about it, let’s say that.
“Number two, I’ve been pretty vocal about it, I don’t like what’s going on in college athletics. By the way, neither do 99.8% of the football and basketball coaches in America. I think the kids are still going to find out before it’s done that it’s not best for them either.”
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The Suns ended up hiring Jordan Ott for its vacancy and Izzo, of course, remained in East Lansing. Michigan State made another trip to the Sweet 16 before losing to UConn.
Izzo is expected to return for the 2026-27 season at Michigan State.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
