Izzo Considered Coaching Phoenix Suns

Michigan State basketball coach had serious talks with Suns owner last year

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:01am

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Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo revealed that he had serious discussions last year about potentially becoming the head coach of the NBA's Phoenix Suns. Izzo, who has led the Spartans for over 25 years, said he spoke with Suns owner Mat Ishbia, one of Izzo's former players, about the possibility of taking over the coaching duties in Phoenix.

Why it matters

Izzo is one of the most respected college basketball coaches in the country, having led Michigan State to 8 Final Four appearances and a national championship. His potential departure for the NBA would have been a major shakeup in the college basketball landscape, as Izzo has been synonymous with the Spartans program for decades.

The details

According to Izzo, the discussions with Ishbia about the Suns job were quite serious, though he ultimately decided to remain at Michigan State. Izzo has been the head coach of the Spartans since 1995 and has built the program into a consistent national powerhouse.

  • Izzo said the talks with the Suns occurred last year.

The players

Tom Izzo

The longtime head coach of the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team, leading them to 8 Final Four appearances and 1 national championship.

Mat Ishbia

The owner of the NBA's Phoenix Suns and a former player under Izzo at Michigan State.

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What they’re saying

“I had some serious talks with Mat Ishbia about the Phoenix Suns job last year.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

The takeaway

Izzo's willingness to consider an NBA coaching job, even briefly, shows the respect he has earned in the basketball world and the potential opportunities that could arise for him outside of the college ranks. However, his decision to remain at Michigan State reinforces his commitment to the program he has built over the past 25+ years.