JUST IN: Tom Izzo Clinches Fourth Big Ten Coach of the Year Honor Following Eleventh Conference Championship Triumph.see more details.
Fourth Big Ten Coach of the Year Award
- On March 11, 2025, Izzo was named Big Ten Coach of the Year for the fourth time, adding to previous honors in 1998, 2009, and 2012 (
- At 70 years old, he became the oldest-ever recipient of this award since its inception in 1977
- This honor was unanimous from both Big Ten media and coaches, with the AP also naming him Coach of the Year Eleventh Big Ten Regular‑Season Title
- Izzo led Michigan State to a dominant 17–3 conference record (26–5 overall), clinching the Big Ten regular-season championship by 3 games over Maryland and Michig
- This marks his 11th Big Ten regular-season title, tying him with Bob Knight and Ward “Piggy” Lambert for the most in conference histor Record‑Setting Milestones
- On February 15, 2025, Izzo tallied his 354th Big Ten victory, passing Bob Knight to become the winningest coach in Big Ten history
- His teams registered 17 conference wins, the most in a season for Michigan State since the conference expanded to 18 teams (A Testament to Coaching Excellence
- Coming off a “rebuilding year” marked by significant roster turnover and modest preseason expectations (predicted fifth in the league), Izzo orchestrated an extraordinary turnaround (
- With no single superstar on the roster, MSU thrived through depth, team-oriented culture, and rigorous defense—hallmarks of Izzo’s coaching legacy (
- Many analysts consider this his greatest Big Ten title due to the league’s expanded size and tougher year-over-year path to the crown .
🌟 Context from MSU’s Season
- Freshman guard Jase Richardson and senior Jaden Akins earned All-Big Ten Third Team honors, with Akins also making the All-Defense team and Richardson landing on the All-Freshman Te
- Associate coach Doug Wojcik was recognized as the Big Ten’s Assistant Coach of the Year (
- The Spartans bowed out in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals but earned a No. 2 NCAA Tournament seed, eventually reaching the Elite Eight (
🗣️ Voices from the Community
Fans and analysts were swift to praise Izzo’s season:
“One of Izzo’s best coaching jobs IMO.” (
“This has been one of Izzo’s finest seasons ever. Legend…” (
🔚 Summary
In his 30th season, Tom Izzo not only reinforced his legacy—now boasting four Coach of the Year awards and 11 conference titles—but also cemented his place in Big Ten lore. By breaking the all-time wins record and claiming the most regular-season titles, he answered preseason doubts and reminded everyone why he’s considered among the top coaches in college basketball. The 2024-25 Spartans, under Izzo’s leadership, combined grit, strategy, and heart to forge what many believe is his most impressive Big Ten championship venture.
Let me know if you’d like a breakdown of his NCAA Tournament journey, comparisons with past seasons, or more fan perspectives