The Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees approved a contract amendment for men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo. The amendment recognizes Coach Izzo’s Hall of Fame legacy and demonstrates a shared commitment to achieving continued success.
The updated contract gives Izzo a $1 million raise, raising his compensation from $6.2 million to $7.2 million per year. The contract, which renews annually, goes into effect on January 1st. The increase makes Izzo the highest-paid coach in the Big Ten.
“Coach Izzo is the ultimate Spartan – someone whose work ethic and devotion to our student-athletes, this university and the broader MSU community are unmatched,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “We believe deeply in his ability to uphold our values, develop champions, and continue building one of college basketball’s premier programs, all while serving as a trusted university ambassador. Michigan State will benefit from his leadership for many more years.”
“Coach Izzo is one of the greatest coaches in the history of college athletics,” said MSU Vice President and Director of Athletics J Batt. “His list of championships and honors is amazing, but his true legacy will be the impact he’s had, first and foremost, on his student-athletes, as well as Spartans everywhere. He cares deeply about our University and our community, and is always willing to do whatever is asked of him to advance MSU.
“Despite his impressive collection of accolades, he continues pushing his Spartans to accomplish more. Since the summer we’ve been discussing how we elevate the program to even greater heights in our new landscape. This new contract not only celebrates his legacy, it displays the department’s commitment to doing all we can to support him and the program’s championship dreams for years to come.”
The winningest coach in Big Ten history, Izzo has a career mark of 745-303 in his 31 seasons guiding the Spartan program. A 2016 inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, he’s already established his status as one of the game’s all-time greats. Still, Izzo remains laser focused on accomplishing even more.
“I’m incredibly appreciative of the continued support from the Board of Trustees, President Guskiewicz and AD Batt,” said Izzo. “With strong leadership and positive momentum throughout the University and the department, the pieces are in place for sustained success, and I’m as energized as ever to chase championships. We’re going to keep working tirelessly to make all Spartans proud.”
Izzo’s list of accomplishments includes the 2000 NCAA National Championship, 11 regular-season Big Ten Championships, six Big Ten Tournament titles, eight Final Four appearances and eight National Coach of the Year awards. He has guided Michigan State to a Big Ten-record 27 straight NCAA Tournament appearances. Izzo’s eight Final Four appearances rank fifth in college basketball history and first among active coaches.
