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Izzo Nearly Left MSU for NBA Suns Coaching Job
2 Apr
Summary
- Tom Izzo almost accepted a head coaching role with the Phoenix Suns last year.
- The offer came from former player Mat Ishbia, who now owns the Suns.
- Izzo expressed dissatisfaction with current college sports trends like NIL.

Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo recently disclosed that he was strongly considered for the Phoenix Suns' head coaching position last year. This significant NBA opportunity came from Mat Ishbia, a former player under Izzo who won a national championship with the Spartans in 2000 and now owns the Suns. Izzo described the offer as a hard decision to turn down, expressing a desire to work with Ishbia.
In the same discussion, Izzo voiced strong criticisms regarding the evolving landscape of college athletics. He highlighted his discomfort with current trends, including Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies and revenue sharing, suggesting they negatively impact recruiting and may not be in the best interest of the athletes themselves. Izzo, a Hall of Famer with over 30 years at Michigan State, has led the team to 28 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.