East Lansing, Michigan — In a historic and well-deserved honor, Michigan State men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo has been voted National Coach of the Year, rewarding not only a season of coaching genius, but a career that has changed the face of collegiate basketball. The honor recognizes nearly three decades of steady performance, hard competition, and a legacy that goes beyond victories and defeats.
Izzo, who is already in his 29th season as Spartans coach, has become a symbol of stability, tenacity, and loyalty in a rapidly changing basketball landscape. From his early beginnings as an assistant under Jud Heathcote to becoming MSU’s winningest coach, Izzo has always remained loyal to his core ideals of toughness, teamwork, and accountability. The 2025 accolade recognizes not only his tactical skill, but also the enduring culture he has established in East Lansing.
Michigan State has made 25 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, reached eight Final Fours, and won the National Championship in 2000. His teams are recognized for their tenacious defense, muscular rebounding, and mentally tough approach, which reflect Izzo’s demeanor.
What made this season stand out was Izzo’s ability to turn a youthful team into a powerful force. Despite injuries, roster turnover, and increased expectations, Izzo guided his team to the Big Ten Tournament Championship and a deep NCAA Tournament run, demonstrating that age has not blunted his competitiveness. Players such as A.J. Hoggard, Jaden Akins, and Xavier Booker thanked Izzo with instilling confidence and discipline that helped them get through the season’s hardest parts.
But Tom Izzo’s impact extends far beyond the court. Known affectionately as “Mr. March,” he has remained one of the sport’s most revered voices, mentoring many coaches and serving as a father figure to generations of student-athletes. His former players, many of whom are now successful in the NBA and business, regularly credit Izzo for preparing them for life beyond basketball.
From organizing team bonding getaways in the Upper Peninsula to hand-writing letters to players’ families, Izzo has been actively involved in every aspect of his program. His humanitarian work, particularly with the Izzo Legacy Family Fund, has raised millions of dollars for causes throughout Michigan, establishing him as more than simply a coach but also a community leader.
The National Coach of the Year award acknowledges an era, not just a season. An era in which Michigan State basketball was associated with passion, preparation, and pride. As other coaching luminaries retire, Izzo continues to evolve while maintaining the program’s core.
When accepting the honor, Izzo stated, “This isn’t just about me.” It’s about the athletes who have put their trust in this program, the assistants who have shared the workload, and the fans who have remained loyal throughout. I’m proud, but more importantly, I’m grateful.”
As yet another spectacular season comes to a close, one thing is certain: Tom Izzo is more than simply a coach of the year; he is a coach for the ages.