Could Tom Izzo retire following his team’s Sweet 16 loss to Connecticut?
It doesn’t appear he’ll be joining this offseason’s coaching carousel.
REQUIRED READING: Michigan State vs UConn final score: Spartans fall to Huskies at end, highlights
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The Michigan State coach was once again reflective on his 31-year coaching career and the topic of retirement following the 3-seeded Spartans’ loss to 2-seeded UConn in the East Region on Friday, March 27, saying he has bigger goals yet to chase.
“Trying to win a national championship, plain and simple,” Izzo said March 27 when asked by a reporter where he sees himself in five years. “That’s it. Those things usually start after your last loss. Nowadays, it’s a little more screwed up, but not at Michigan State.”
Izzo coached in his 17th career Sweet 16 on Friday, where his record dropped to 11-6. The Spartans coach has led Michigan State to 28 consecutive March Madness trips, the NCAA Division I record for most consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. The Spartans, who were looking for their second consecutive trip to the Elite Eight, have not advanced to the Final Four appearance since 2019.
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The Hall of Fame coach said he’s still “feeling good” at 71 years old.
“We all talk about retirement. Why? What the h— am I going to do? The minute I don’t feel good, the minute I don’t feel like I’m giving my (athletic director) or president or school every ounce of energy I have every day, or that energy drops, you don’t have to worry about it. I don’t steal money. I won’t steal anybody’s time. But it’s sure as hell not going to be now,” Izzo said.
“I’ve got some things to accomplish.”
Michigan State ends the season 27-8, its fifth straight season of at least 20 wins under Izzo, and its 25th overall season reaching that win mark.
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With no retirement plans on the horizon just yet for Izzo, Michigan State will head into the 2026-27 season once again looking to end the program’s national championship drought, having last won it all in 2000.
“I said a couple years ago that I’ll find a way to get back there. We’ve knocked on the door twice. We haven’tgotten back. We’ll get back,” Izzo said.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Tom Izzo retiring? Michigan State coach addresses future after Sweet 16 loss
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