Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo has had incredible longevity that you just don’t see nowadays in college athletics. Izzo has been the head coach at Michigan State for over three decades now, and he’s made 28 straight NCAA Tournaments. That longevity and consistency is what keeps Michigan State near the top of college basketball every year.
Izzo has also sat by and watched fellow coaching legends like Roy Williams, Mike Krzyzewski, Jay Wright, and Tony Bennett all retire.
The Hall of Fame head coach even watched someone he grew up as a young coach at Michigan State with — Nick Saban — retire from a different sport. All of these guys retired when they probably still had plenty left in the tank because of the direction of college athletics. The transfer portal, unchecked NIL deals, and now G-League players coming back to play college ball have made Izzo question his profession even more.
But he spoke to the media after the Louisville win about why he’s decided to stick around when everyone else has opted to retire.
His answer made complete sense.
“My boss told me a long time ago your job is to be a steward of the game. I don’t think right now enough coaches are standing up to be stewards of the game.”
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) March 21, 2026
Michigan State HC Tom Izzo was asked the secret behind his energy in a profession that burns others out. pic.twitter.com/5oNA7g6Ui5
Izzo also hit us with an “I love my job, but I question my professional” which is something we’ve heard him say several times. But he responded to the question by stating that the greatest part of being the coach is being in the locker room with the players and family, sharing moments with guys that stuck around. He also said that his “boss” told him a long time ago to be a steward for college basketball.
And he’s doing that.
I’m just going to assume that “boss” was Jud Heathcote.
Tom Izzo is leaving his mark on college basketball
Fans don’t see what goes on behind the scenes in a collegiate basketball program or between schools, but it’s obvious whenever you hear coaches talk about Izzo that he’s had a positive impact on the sport and he’s doing his best to keep it alive and well.
Izzo feels like he has to shoulder that responsibility of being a guiding light for the sport of college basketball with all of his fellow Hall of Famers retiring.
“Not enough coaches” are being stewards of the game, Izzo said, and you can tell that weighs on him.