Michigan State University men's basketball head coach Tom Izzo stated he has no immediate plans to retire following his team's loss to UConn in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament Sweet 16 round.
The 71-year-old coach from Iron Mountain, Michigan, was asked about his plans in five years' time after the defeat. "Trying to win a national championship — plain and simple," Izzo told reporters.[1]
Izzo, who has led the Spartans since the 1995-96 season, said he would continue coaching as long as he can give full energy to the program. "We all talk about retirement. Why? What the hell am I going to do? The minute I don't feel good, the minute I don't feel like I'm giving my AD or president or school every ounce of energy I have every day or that energy drops, you don't have to worry about it," he said.[1]
Izzo plans to address roster decisions immediately, likening his approach to the transfer portal. "Tomorrow I'm going to the portal. The only difference is the portal at Michigan State is different than the portal at most places. I'm going right to my frickin' locker room, and I'm going to talk to each and every player right there," he said. He noted seven or eight players returning next season and a recruiting class he is satisfied with.[1]
Izzo guided Michigan State to the 1999 NCAA championship and has made eight Final Four appearances under his tenure.[2][3] The Sweet 16 marks the regional semifinals in the single-elimination NCAA tournament format.[4]
"I'm the luckiest guy in the world. I'm just not lucky enough to be playing on Sunday. I'll get to play on another Sunday. Hang around," Izzo added.[1]
Sources
- Fox News Digital
Article: "Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo will not be retiring anytime soon"
Publication date: Undated (draft input)
https://www.foxnews.com/sports - Michigan State University Athletics
Page: Tom Izzo coach profile
Accessed: 2024
https://msuspartans.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/tom-izzo/1448 - Wikipedia
Page: Tom Izzo
Accessed: 2024
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Izzo - Wikipedia
Page: NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament
Accessed: 2024
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NCAA_Division_I_men%27s_basketball_tournament
