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Izzo Considered Suns HC Job Last Summer
Michigan State coach says he talked 'seriously' with Suns owner about NBA opportunity.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:51pm
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Michigan State basketball head coach Tom Izzo revealed he had discussions with Phoenix Suns majority owner Mat Ishbia, a former Spartans player, about the Suns' head coaching job last summer. Izzo, who has led Michigan State to 28 consecutive NCAA tournaments, said the opportunity to work with Ishbia in Phoenix was 'hard to turn down' but he ultimately remained in East Lansing.
Why it matters
Izzo's potential departure would have been a major shakeup in the college basketball landscape, as he has been a fixture at Michigan State for over 25 years. The Suns also have strong Michigan State connections, including head coach Jordan Ott and GM Brian Gregory, making Izzo an intriguing candidate.
The details
Izzo, 71, said he 'talked seriously' with Suns owner Mat Ishbia, a former walk-on player for Izzo's 2000 national championship team at Michigan State. While Izzo was tempted by the chance to coach in the NBA, especially alongside Ishbia, he ultimately decided to remain the head coach of the Spartans, who he has led to 8 Final Four appearances.
- Last summer, Izzo discussed the Suns' head coaching job with owner Mat Ishbia.
The players
Tom Izzo
The Hall of Fame head coach who has led the Michigan State Spartans to 28 consecutive NCAA tournaments since 1995.
Mat Ishbia
The majority owner of the Phoenix Suns and a former walk-on player for Izzo's 2000 national championship team at Michigan State.
Jordan Ott
The current head coach of the Phoenix Suns, who previously served as a graduate assistant and video coordinator for the Michigan State Spartans.
Brian Gregory
The general manager of the Phoenix Suns, who was a longtime assistant coach at Michigan State under Tom Izzo.
Mateen Cleaves
The former Michigan State star who was added as a player-development coach for the Phoenix Suns last summer.
What they’re saying
“I was a lot younger but I have [had] more than a couple of job offers in the NBA and looked at one last year with Phoenix. My former player, Mat Ishbia -- that was hard. That was a hard thing to turn down because ... I kind of wanted to go with him.”
— Tom Izzo, Michigan State Head Coach
“We talked seriously about it, let's say that.”
— Tom Izzo, Michigan State Head Coach
What’s next
Izzo will continue to lead the Michigan State Spartans as they look to build on their Sweet 16 appearance in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
The takeaway
Tom Izzo's long-standing commitment to Michigan State is evident, even as opportunities arise to coach in the NBA. His decision to remain in East Lansing speaks to the strong bonds he has built with the program and its players over his 25+ year tenure.
