By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Michigan State legend Tom Izzo revealed that the Phoenix Suns nearly lured him away from East Lansing during their 2025 coaching search. Despite his deep roots in college basketball, the Hall of Famer admitted he gave strong consideration to an offer from Suns owner and former player Mat Ishbia before ultimately declining the position.
“I’ve had more than a couple job offers in the NBA, looked at one last year with Phoenix,” Izzo told the Dan Patrick Show. “That was hard, that was a hard thing to turn down.”
Ishbia, who played for Izzo’s 2000 national championship team, sought to hire his former mentor. Izzo cited his bond with Ishbia and the current situation in the NCAA.
“No. 1, because I kind of wanted to go with him,” Izzo explained. “And then, No. 2, I don’t like what’s going on in college athletics.”
Ultimately, the Suns hired Jordan Ott, another Michigan State alumnus. With the 41-year-old play-caller, they currently sit seventh in the Western Conference with a 42-34 record. With only six games remaining in the 2025-26 Regular Season, Phoenix appears headed for the 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, trailing a direct spot in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, by 4.5 games.
Meanwhile, 71-year-old Izzo remains committed to the Spartans. After securing his 750th career victory in January and surpassing Bob Knight for the most Big Ten conference wins in history, he insists he has no plans to retire. Following a Sweet 16 exit in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, he remains focused on a ninth Final Four appearance with Michigan State.