Tom Izzo

Tom Izzo (born January 30, 1955) is an American college basketball coach. He serves as the head coach for the Michigan State University Spartans men’s basketball program since 1995. Under his direction,the Spartans have won one NCAA National Championship in 2000 and eight Big Ten Conference championships.

Izzo played college basketball at Northern Michigan University from 1973 to 1977 where he was a member of the school’s first NCAA Division II national championship team in 1975 under head coach Bill Sall. Upon graduation, he served as an assistant at MSU from 1979 to 1983 before being promoted to associate head coach from 1983-1995 under Jud Heathcote and becoming Head Coach on August 29th 1995 after Heathcote retired following 11 seasons with Izzo by his side.

During his tenure as Head Coach of MSU Basketball, Tom Izzo has been named Big Ten Coach of The Year six times (1998–99; 1999–2000; 2001–02; 2009–10; 2013-14 & 2017-18). In addition to this prestigious honor, Tom has also led several successful post season runs throughout his coaching career culminating in winning the 2000 Men’s Basketball National Championship over Florida Gators 76 – 65 when Mateen Cleaves connected on back to back threes late into second half bringing excitement that can only be found during March Madness every year! During these post season successes Tom has reached seven final four appearances along with 7 big ten tournament titles making him one of most decorated coaches ever leading a program within collegiate sports today!

Outside if Sparty Nation , Izzos reputation precedes himself amongst other colleagues around NCAA circles . As such ESPN recognized him for all success achieved through out years by naming him “Big East Coach Of The Decade” spanning 1990 – 1999 solidifying even more so why many consider tom among best ballers minds there is .

On December 8th 2016 it was announced that due financial backing provided by fellow alumni William Ury via donation $20 million towards building new practice facility dubbed Walter Athletics Center which will provide added resources needed take Spartan Hoops next level ! With plans already underway you can expect see grand opening Fall or Summer 2018 right before start another run deep march madness further cementing legacy left behind legendary man known simply “Tom Izzo”