NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo won’t be retiring anytime soon.
The 71-year-old head coach was asked what he would be doing five years from now after his team’s 67-63 loss to UConn in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16, and he dismissed the possibility of retirement.
“Trying to win a national championship — plain and simple,” Izzo told reporters.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo reacts during the first half against North Dakota State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Buffalo, New York on March 19, 2026. (Yuki Iwamura/AP Photo)
“We all talk about retirement,” Izzo said. “Why? What the hell am I supposed to do? The moment I’m not feeling well, the moment I don’t feel like I’m giving my AD or president or school every ounce of energy I have every day, or when the energy drops, you don’t have to worry about it. I don’t steal money. I don’t want to steal anybody’s time.”
Izzo said he still has some things he wants to accomplish before calling it a career. He said he would enter the portal the day after the team’s loss.
FORMER UNC BASKETBALL STAR KENNY SMITH REACTS TO HUBERT DAVIS FIRING, EXTINGUISHES INTEREST IN COACHING JOB
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo reacts during the second half against Louisville in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Buffalo, New York on March 21, 2026. (Jeffrey T. Barnes/AP Photo)
“Tomorrow I’m going to the portal,” Izzo said. “The only difference is the portal at Michigan State is different than the portal at most places. I’m going to go right into my badass locker room and I’m going to talk to every single player right there. I’m going to make some decisions about what we’re going to do that I feel very comfortable with.”
The Iron Mountain, Michigan, native said he has seven or eight guys returning next season, along with a recruiting class he feels good about.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo shouts during the second half of an NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game against UConn in Washington, District of Columbia, March 27, 2026. (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP Photo)
Izzo began coaching at Michigan State in the 1995-96 season and has been the team’s head coach ever since. He has compiled a record of 764-310, including a 61-27 record in the NCAA Tournament. Michigan State went 27-8 this season.
“I’m the luckiest guy in the world. I’m just not lucky enough to play on Sunday,” Izzo said. “I’m going to play another Sunday. Keep at it.”
