Trending Now - Tom Izzo Contemplated Joining Suns as Head Coach Last Year

WHO:

Pro Football Network - Tom Izzo, head coach of Michigan State

RealGM Basketball - Mat Ishbia, owner of the Phoenix Suns; Jordan Ott, head coach of the Phoenix Suns; Brian Gregory, general manager of the Phoenix Suns

WHAT:

Pro Football Network - Tom Izzo revealed he "seriously" considered taking the head coaching job of the Phoenix Suns last year.

RealGM Basketball - Izzo was offered the head coaching position of the Phoenix Suns last offseason.

RealGM Basketball - The head coaching job eventually went to Jordan Ott.

RealGM Basketball - Izzo led Michigan State to the Sweet 16 in the 2025 NCAA tournament.

RealGM Basketball - The Suns are currently over their projected wins total of 31.5.

WHERE:

RealGM Basketball - Phoenix, Arizona (home of the Phoenix Suns)

WHEN:

RealGM Basketball - The head coaching job offer occurred in the offseason of 2025.

RealGM Basketball - Izzo mentioned the job offer in 2025.

WHY:

RealGM Basketball - Mat Ishbia played for Izzo in college and has a close connection to the Michigan State program.

RealGM Basketball - Izzo stated, "That was hard, that was a hard thing to turn down... we talked seriously about it."

HOW:

RealGM Basketball - Izzo had previously been pursued for head coaching jobs by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, and Brooklyn Nets.

(UPDATED April 1, 2026 21:15 UTC)

Tom Izzo, the head coach of Michigan State, revealed he seriously considered taking the head coaching job of the Phoenix Suns last offseason, a position that ultimately went to Jordan Ott. Izzo, who led Michigan State to the Sweet 16 in the 2025 NCAA tournament, expressed that turning down the offer was difficult, especially given his close connection to Suns owner Mat Ishbia, who played for him in college. Meanwhile, the Suns are currently exceeding their projected wins total of 31.5 as they continue their season in Phoenix, Arizona.