Michigan State Makes Tom Izzo Decision on Thursday
At 70 years old, Tom Izzo has accomplished just about everything in his legendary career as head basketball coach at Michigan State. A member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Izzo has taken the Spartans to the NCAA Tournament Final Four eight times and racked up 737 career wins — 59 of those coming in March Madness.
He has been the face of the program in East Lansing since taking over in 1995. And now, he's about to take on a new role.
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For the first time in his illustrious career, Izzo will step into the front office. He's been named one of the co-interim athletic directors at Michigan State, alongside current deputy athletic director Jennifer Smith.
They'll be taking over for Alan Haller, who is stepping down. Haller's final day will be May 11.
Michigan State President Kevin M. Guskiewicz released a statement on the transition.
'I'm grateful for Alan's leadership since I joined the university and appreciate the success our programs have seen under his leadership," Guskiewicz wrote. "He is deeply committed to this university and has led with honesty and integrity.'
Guskiewicz added more on the future of the school's athletic department: 'This is a pivotal time for college athletics, where innovation, effective communications and community engagement are more important than ever. Our next athletic director will lead one of the nation's more storied athletic programs — home to 23 varsity sports, a passionate fan base, a long legacy of academic and athletic excellence, and, most importantly, an ambitious future.'
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo.© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
Michigan State is coming off another strong season on the hardwood. The Spartans finished the 2024-25 campaign with a 30-7 record, including a 17-3 mark in Big Ten play. They were one win away from another Final Four appearance under Izzo.
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During the season, Izzo passed former Indiana Hoosiers coach Bob Knight for most career Big Ten wins.
And even with a new title on the way, Izzo isn't slowing down on the basketball side. He has already hit the transfer portal hard, landing Kalen Glenn from the Florida Atlantic Owls and Trey Fort from the Samford Bulldogs.
It's going to be a busy offseason in East Lansing, and Izzo will be right in the middle of all of it.
Related: No. 1 College Basketball Recruit is Turning Heads With New Post
Related: UConn Reacts to Big Announcement on Five-Star College Basketball Recruit
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