Tom Izzo includes 4X NBA Champ as part of dream Michigan State successor plan post-coaching retirement
Tom Izzo has enjoyed a legendary career as head coach of the Michigan State Spartans thus far. While the 69-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down or any form of urgency to retire, there is bound to be a time when he eventually chooses to move on from being at the helm of Michigan State's men's basketball program.
In August 2022, Izzo signed a unique five-year rollover contract extension with the Spartans, which would see him earn $6.2 million every year. While he is on course to fulfill the entire length of the contract, questions on what could happen post his eventual retirement persist.
Appearing on the latest episode of the "College Hoops Today" podcast released on Monday, Tom Izzo revealed a potential list of successors when he eventually retires as the Spartans' head coach.
The list features several MSU alums, including four-time NBA champion Draymond Green and five-time NBA champion Magic Johnson, although Izzo revealed he has no imminent interest in relinquishing the role just yet.
"I got no interest in getting out of it," said Izzo. "When I'm done, I'm going to talk to Mateen Cleaves, Steve Smith, Magic Johnson, and Draymond Green.
"I don't want to lose the culture that I've seen for 40 years as a GA on up. I think it's being lost somewhat now in college sports. Not just for me, but the players who come back and are a part of things. At least here at Michigan State, it's important. It may not be that way at other places."
Tom Izzo coached Draymond Green, who played for the Spartans from 2008 to 2012. However, Green already stated in July that he is not interested in coaching at Michigan State.
"Man I love Michigan State so much… I will always be a part of the program, but I'm just not sure I can coach Michigan State," Green said.
Michigan State to face Kansas in major test for Tom Izzo
Izzo's team has made a strong start to the 2024-25 season, winning both their opening games comfortably against the Monmouth Hawks and the Niagara Purple Eagles.
They face a stiff test tomorrow, as they travel to Atlanta, Georgia to take on the top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks in the Champions Classic at the State Farm Arena.
Like the Spartans, the Jayhawks are also 2-0 in the season following a comprehensive 87-57 win over the Howard Bison and a narrow 92-89 win over the North Carolina Tar Heels.
The Spartans and the Jayhawks have met 15 times prior to their upcoming showdown, with the latter leading their head-to-head 8-7. Although they are 2-2 in the Champions Classic, the Jayhawks have won the last three encounters between the teams.
Tom Izzo will look to even up their record, while Jayhawks head coach Bill Self will look to preserve their head-to-head lead in order to maintain their perfect records.