Tom Izzo Declined Suns Head Coaching Offer

Michigan State coach turned down chance to jump to NBA last year

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:23pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball coaching scene, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in shades of blue, orange, and silver, conceptually representing the multi-faceted dynamics behind Izzo's decision to remain at Michigan State.Izzo's decision to stay at Michigan State denies the Suns a proven college coaching mind, but opens the door for another Spartan to make his mark in the NBA.Phoenix Today

Veteran college basketball coach Tom Izzo has confirmed that he was offered the head coaching job with the NBA's Phoenix Suns last year, but ultimately declined the opportunity to remain at Michigan State University.

Why it matters

Izzo's decision to stay at Michigan State is seen as a major win for the college program, as he is one of the most respected and successful coaches in the sport. The Suns, meanwhile, were left to hire another coach with Michigan State ties in Jordan Ott, who has the team in contention for Coach of the Year honors.

The details

According to reports, Suns owner Mat Ishbia reached out to Izzo last spring and offered him the chance to become the team's new head coach. However, Izzo ultimately decided to turn down the NBA opportunity and remain at Michigan State, where he has coached since 1995 and led the Spartans to eight Final Four appearances and two national championships.

  • Izzo was offered the Suns head coaching job last spring (2025).
  • The Suns ended up hiring Jordan Ott, another coach with Michigan State ties, as their new head coach.

The players

Tom Izzo

The longtime head coach of the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team, known for his success in leading the program to multiple Final Four appearances and national championships.

Mat Ishbia

The owner of the Phoenix Suns, who offered Izzo the team's head coaching job last year.

Jordan Ott

The current head coach of the Phoenix Suns, who was hired after Izzo declined the job.

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What they’re saying

“Tom Izzo could have been the coach of the Phoenix Suns. Today Izzo confirmed on the @dpshow something that has circulated in NBA coaching circles for the past year: He turned down Suns owner Mat Ishbia last spring when offered the chance to jump to the NBA.”

— Marc Stein

The takeaway

Izzo's decision to remain at Michigan State is a major win for the college program, as he is one of the most respected and successful coaches in the sport. The Suns, meanwhile, were left to hire another coach with Michigan State ties in Jordan Ott, who has the team in contention for Coach of the Year honors.