Michigan State's Tom Izzo tells CBS Sports he won't retire in 2024
Several high-profile college head coaches have retired in recent years including Duke's Mike Krzyzewski, Villanova's Jay Wright and North Carolina's Roy Williams in men's basketball, as well as Alabama's Nick Saban in football.
Undoubtedly, Michigan State's Tom Izzo is closer to retirement than he is to the start of his career, but the 29-year veteran recently told CBS Sports' Matt Norlander that he won't be handing up his coaching whistle in the immediate future.
In an exclusive interview on Monday, in the wake of Saban's retirement and on the heels of the other basketball coaches mentioned above, Norlander asked Izzo if retirement was an option following the 2023-24 season.
"No," Izzo replied directly.
Mich St. is flirting w/ missing the NCAAT for the first time since '97. Amid a tough season and ever-changing landscape, Tom Izzo tells @CBSSports there will be no surprise 2024 retirement. When he leaves, expect a Jay Wright/Nick Saban-like exit.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) January 16, 2024
Story:https://t.co/XlCyvrfUAQ
Krzyzewski two years ago and Syracuse's Jim Boeheim last year each announced their decision to retire heading into their final year with their respective programs. Others, like Williams, Wright and Saban, retired more suddenly at the conclusion of their final seasons.
Izzo isn't certain when he'll be ready to put a wrap on his career, but said his decision will play out more like that second group.
I've never thought of what exactly I'll do. I know what I won't do," Izzo told CBS Sports. "Jud had a farewell tour. Mike did. I have a lot of respect for those guys. I'm sure I'll be more in the Jay Wright and Nick (Saban) way of doing it. When it's over, it's over and I'm walking away. But I've got a good recruiting class, I've got an opportunity to coach my former player's son, which I'm really looking forward to — (Jase) Richardson — I'm in a good place in every part for me, except the frustration of the day-to-day, never knowing where you are, you know? That's hard."
For more on Izzo's discussion with CBS Sports, including his thoughts on how the transfer portal and NIL are shaping coaches' decisions regarding their retirements, click here.
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