Michigan State's Izzo Not Retiring Anytime Soon

The 71-year-old coach says he's focused on winning another national championship

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:52pm

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Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo, 71, says he has no plans to retire anytime soon despite his team's early exit from the NCAA tournament. Izzo, who has led the Spartans to eight Final Fours and one national title, says he's still driven to win another championship and has no interest in stepping away from the game.

Why it matters

Izzo is one of the most respected and successful college basketball coaches of his era, and his continued presence at Michigan State is crucial for the program's long-term success. His refusal to retire despite his advanced age and recent tournament disappointments shows his unwavering commitment to the sport and to building a championship-caliber team.

The details

After Michigan State's Sweet 16 loss to UConn, Izzo was asked where he sees himself in five years. He responded bluntly, 'Trying to win a national championship — plain and simple.' Izzo acknowledged that many of his peers have retired, but said he has no plans to do so as long as he still feels he can give his full energy to the program. He said the 'only difference' between Michigan State's portal and others is that he'll talk to his current players first before looking to the transfer market to rebuild his roster.

  • On March 25, 2026, Michigan State lost to UConn 67-63 in the Sweet 16.
  • After the game, Izzo was asked about his future plans.

The players

Tom Izzo

The 71-year-old head coach of the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team, who has led the program to eight Final Fours and one national championship.

Jeremy Fears

A Michigan State player who has eligibility remaining and left the postgame podium after the Sweet 16 loss.

Coen Carr

Another Michigan State player who has eligibility remaining and left the postgame podium after the Sweet 16 loss.

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What they’re saying

“Tomorrow I'm going to the portal. The only difference is the portal at Michigan State is different than the portal at most places. I'm going right to my frickin' locker room, and I'm going to talk to each and every player right there. I'm going to make some decisions about what we're going to do that I feel very comfortable with.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

“Why? What the hell am I going to do? The minute I don't feel good, the minute I don't feel like I'm giving my AD or president or school every ounce of energy I have every day or that energy drops, you don't have to worry about it. I don't steal money. I won't steal anybody's time.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

What’s next

Izzo plans to return seven to eight players from this year's team and add a strong freshman class as he continues his quest for another national championship.

The takeaway

Tom Izzo's refusal to even consider retirement despite his advanced age and recent tournament disappointments underscores his unwavering commitment to building a championship program at Michigan State. As long as he maintains that drive and energy, Izzo appears poised to remain one of the most influential figures in college basketball for years to come.