Internal Talks Between Izzo and Ishbia
Tom Izzo, the long-standing head coach of Michigan State, recently shared that he engaged in significant conversations regarding the head coaching vacancy with the Phoenix Suns before the start of the 2025-26 season. Following his 31st season with the Spartans, which concluded with a loss to UConn in the Sweet 16, Izzo spoke on the Dan Patrick Show about his connection to the franchise.
Central to these discussions was his relationship with Mat Ishbia, the owner of the Phoenix Suns and a former basketball player under Izzo at Michigan State. Reflecting on the potential move, Izzo noted the difficulty of the situation:
«I’ve had more than a couple job offers in the NBA, and look, that one last year with Phoenix, you know, my former player Mat Ishbia. And that was hard. That was a hard thing to turn down because number one, I kind of wanted to go with him...»
When pressed on whether a formal offer was extended, Izzo maintained that the two sides «talked seriously about it». He also touched upon his frustrations with the current state of collegiate athletics, stating that many coaches across the country share his concerns about the trajectory of the sport.
Context of the Suns' Coaching Carousel
The Phoenix Suns have undergone significant turnover, employing four different head coaches over the last four seasons. The organization recently appointed Jordon Ott, formerly an assistant with the Lakers and Cavaliers, to lead the team for the 2025-26 campaign. This follows the tenure of Mike Budenholzer, who struggled to find success despite a roster featuring high-profile stars, and Frank Vogel, who departed after a single season.
The roster has since undergone a major transformation. Kevin Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets, and Bradley Beal secured a contract buyout before signing with the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite these changes, the team has shown improvement, boasting a 42-34 record with a handful of games left in the regular season.
A History of Near-Departures
The flirtation with the Phoenix Suns is not the first time Izzo has considered an exit from East Lansing. Over a decade ago, in 2010, he held formal discussions with Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, another Michigan State alumnus. Ultimately, Izzo declined the position. He later cited his inability to get a clear commitment from LeBron James—who was entering free agency at the time—as a primary reason for remaining in the college ranks.