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Michigan State's Izzo Vows to Keep Coaching in NIL Era
Veteran coach believes it's important to be a "steward of the game" as many peers have left college basketball
Mar. 22, 2026 at 12:30am
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Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo expressed his continued enthusiasm for coaching in the new era of college basketball marked by name, image and likeness (NIL) deals, even as many of his peers have left the profession. After leading the Spartans to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, the 71-year-old Izzo said his job is to be a "steward of the game" and that not enough coaches are currently standing up to that responsibility.
Why it matters
Izzo's comments come as the landscape of college basketball has shifted dramatically with the advent of NIL, which has led some high-profile coaches to leave the college ranks. Izzo's willingness to stay and guide his program through these changes is seen as an important counterpoint to the trend of coaches departing.
The details
Michigan State defeated Louisville 77-69 in the NCAA Tournament's second round, led by a record-breaking 16-assist performance from point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. and a 21-point, 10-rebound effort from Coen Carr. In the locker room after the game, Izzo passionately told his players to trust the coaching staff's process as they advanced to the Sweet 16.
- Michigan State defeated Louisville on March 21, 2026 to advance to the Sweet 16.
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 Four appearances and a national championship.
Jeremy Fears Jr.
Michigan State's star point guard who set a school record with 16 assists in the team's NCAA Tournament second-round win over Louisville.
Coen Carr
A key contributor for Michigan State, scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the team's victory over Louisville.
What they’re saying
“We're going to Washington, D.C. because you advanced to the Sweet 16. We said it was going to be six, now it's down to four. You gotta trust that I said, you get us to the four and we'll get you to the next two. Anything we say and do, you gotta listen, you gotta learn, you gotta do it.”
— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State
“I respect the guys that have left. I understand why some of them did. But my boss told me a long time ago, your job is to be a steward of the game. I don't think right now enough coaches are standing up to be stewards of the game”
— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State
What’s next
Michigan State will face the winner of the UConn vs. UCLA matchup in the Sweet 16 next weekend.
The takeaway
Izzo's commitment to staying and guiding his program through the changes brought on by NIL deals in college basketball stands in contrast to the trend of high-profile coaches leaving the college ranks. His belief in being a "steward of the game" reflects an important perspective as the sport navigates this new era.
