Michigan State's Tom Izzo Turned Down NBA Job Tied to Ex-Spartans Player

Longtime Spartans coach says he was close to becoming Phoenix Suns head coach last year.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:56pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hall of Fame basketball coach Tom Izzo of Michigan State University revealed that he recently turned down an offer to become the head coach of the NBA's Phoenix Suns. Izzo, who has been the Spartans' head coach for 31 seasons, said the job offer was tied to his former player Mat Ishbia, who is now the majority owner of the Suns. Izzo acknowledged that the opportunity was hard to turn down, but he expressed concerns about the current state of college athletics and the transfer portal system.

Why it matters

Izzo's decision to stay at Michigan State is significant, as he is one of the most respected and successful coaches in college basketball. His willingness to consider an NBA job, especially one connected to a former player, highlights the changing landscape of college sports and the increasing lure of professional opportunities for top coaches.

The details

Izzo, 71, first interviewed for an NBA job with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010. Last year, he says he was close to becoming the head coach of the Phoenix Suns, who ultimately hired Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott. Izzo's former player, Mat Ishbia, is the majority owner of the Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury. Izzo acknowledged that the opportunity to work with Ishbia was enticing, but he also expressed concerns about the current state of college athletics, particularly the transfer portal system.

  • In 2025, Izzo says he was close to becoming the coach of the Phoenix Suns.
  • Izzo first interviewed for an NBA job with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010.

The players

Tom Izzo

The Hall of Fame basketball coach who has been the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans for 31 seasons.

Mat Ishbia

Izzo's former player at Michigan State who is now the majority owner of the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury.

Jordan Ott

The assistant coach who the Phoenix Suns ultimately hired as their head coach in 2025.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn Huskies, who previously had a conversation with Izzo about the Los Angeles Lakers vacancy in 2024.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've had more than a couple job offers in the NBA. That one last year with Phoenix and my former player, Mat Ishbia. That was hard, that was a hard thing to turn down. No. 1, I kind of wanted to go with him. … We talked seriously about it, let's say that.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

“I don't know what I'd do if it was today. (Hurley) had the chance about a year or two ago, I think things are so crazy in college athletics right now. I don't know if I'd feel different, to be very honest with you, but I think something has to be done with the insanity we're going through, but I don't think anybody else cares.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

What’s next

Izzo is expected to continue leading the Michigan State Spartans basketball program, though he has expressed concerns about the current state of college athletics and the transfer portal system.

The takeaway

Tom Izzo's decision to turn down an NBA job offer, even one connected to a former player, highlights his long-standing commitment to Michigan State University and his desire to address the challenges facing college sports. As one of the most respected coaches in the game, Izzo's perspective on the evolving landscape of college athletics carries significant weight.