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Tom Izzo, ‘the ultimate Spartan,’ gets contract boost

On3 imageby: Jim Comparoni14 hours agoJimComparoni

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Tom Izzo’s contract is getting sweetened by an extra $1 million per year. The Michigan State Board of Trustees approved the contract boost on Friday.

Izzo’s five-year contract, which renews every year as a rollover agreement, will now pay him $7.2 million. That will make him the highest-paid coach in the Big Ten.

“Coach Izzo is the ultimate Spartan – someone whose work ethic and devotion to our student-athletes, this university and the broader MSU community are unmatched,” said MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz said in a statement released by the university. “We believe deeply in his ability to uphold our values, develop champions, and continue building one of college basketball’s premier programs, all while serving as a trusted university ambassador. Michigan State will benefit from his leadership for many more years.” 

First-year Michigan State athletic director J Batt echoed Guskiewicz’s thoughts.

“Coach Izzo is one of the greatest coaches in the history of college athletics,” Batt said. “His list of championships and honors is amazing, but his true legacy will be the impact he’s had, first and foremost, on his student-athletes, as well as Spartans everywhere. He cares deeply about our University and our community, and is always willing to do whatever is asked of him to advance MSU.

“Despite his impressive collection of accolades, he continues pushing his Spartans to accomplish more. Since the summer we’ve been discussing how we elevate the program to even greater heights in our new landscape. This new contract not only celebrates his legacy, it displays the department’s commitment to doing all we can to support him and the program’s championship dreams for years to come.”

Izzo is the winningest coach in Big Ten history. In 31 seasons at Michigan State, Izzo has a record of 745-303 despite annually playing one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the country. 

Izzo was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. 


Michigan State grants ‘the ultimate Spartan,’ Tom Izzo, contract boost”I’m incredibly appreciative of the continued support from the Board of Trustees, President Guskiewicz and AD Batt,” Izzo said in a statement released by the university, Friday. “With strong leadership and positive momentum throughout the University and the department, the pieces are in place for sustained success, and I’m as energized as ever to chase championships. We’re going to keep working tirelessly to make all Spartans proud.”

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