NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo won’t be retiring anytime soon.
The 71-year-old head coach was asked what he would do in five years after his team’s 67-63 loss to UConn in the NCAA Sweet 16 Tournament, and he ruled out the possibility of retirement.
“Trying to win a national championship, plain and simple,” Izzo told reporters.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
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 going to do? The moment I don’t feel good, the moment I don’t feel like I’m giving my AD or the president or the school every ounce of energy I have every day or that energy diminishes, you don’t have to worry about it. I don’t steal money. I won’t steal anyone’s time.”
Izzo said he still has a few things he wants to accomplish before calling it a career. He said he would enter the portal the day after the team’s defeat.
FORMER UNC BASKETBALL STAR KENNY SMITH REACTS TO HUBERT DAVIS FIRING AND CLOSES COACHING JOB INTEREST
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)
“I’m going to the portal tomorrow,” Izzo said. “The only difference is the portal at Michigan State is different than the portal at most places. I’m going right into my damn locker room and I’m going to talk to each and every player right there. I’m going to make some decisions about what we’re going to do that I’m 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 Pak Gazette APP
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo yells during the second half of a Sweet 16 game in the NCAA Tournament against UConn in Washington, District of Columbia, on 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 since then. 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’ll be able to play another Sunday. Stay a while.”
