Tom Izzo Reveals Interest in Phoenix Suns Head Coaching Position

Original: Izzo 'seriously' eyed Suns HC job last summer

Espn•Apr 2, 20262 min

In a Nutshell

Tom Izzo, head coach of Michigan State basketball, disclosed that he had serious discussions with Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia regarding the head coaching position last summer. Despite his interest, the Suns ultimately hired Jordan Ott. Izzo, a Hall of Famer, remains focused on winning another national championship.

Key Points

01Tom Izzo had serious talks with Suns owner Mat Ishbia about the head coaching role.
02The Suns hired Jordan Ott instead of Izzo for the position.
03Izzo has been Michigan State's head coach since the 1995-96 season.
04He has led the Spartans to 28 consecutive NCAA tournaments.
05Izzo is the all-time winningest coach in the Big Ten conference.

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Full Summary

Tom Izzo, the head coach of Michigan State basketball, revealed that he engaged in serious discussions with Phoenix Suns majority owner Mat Ishbia about the head coaching position last summer. Despite his interest, the Suns ultimately chose to hire Jordan Ott. Izzo, who recently guided the Spartans to the Sweet 16 before their loss to UConn, expressed that the opportunity was difficult to decline, especially given his connection with Ishbia, a former walk-on player on Izzo's national championship team in 2000. At 71, Izzo has been the head coach at Michigan State since the 1995-96 season and is recognized as the all-time winningest coach in the Big Ten conference. He has led the Spartans to 28 consecutive NCAA tournaments and eight Final Four appearances. Although he has considered NBA coaching roles in the past, including with the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers, Izzo remains committed to winning a second national championship.

Key Figures