Michigan State University Athletics
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Tom Izzo Named to Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year Watch List
2/20/2026 12:19:00 PM | Men's Basketball
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State men's basketball head coach Tom Izzo was selected to the Naismith Men's College Coach of the Year Watch List, released on Friday by the Atlanta Tipoff Club.
Izzo was one of 15 coaches selected to the watch list, including four from the Big Ten.
In his 31st at the helm of the program he has been with for more than 40 years, including his time as an assistant coach, Izzo was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2025 after leading the Spartans to the Big Ten Regular Season title. It was the fourth time in his career he has earned the honor from the league, having previously been named in 1998, 2009 and 2012.
Izzo has guided Michigan State to a 21-5 overall record this year, including an 11-4 record in the Big Ten Conference. The Spartans are ranked No. 15 in the Associated Press Top 25 and in the ESPN Coaches poll.
In addition to leading the Spartans to a record 27-straight NCAA Tournament appearances, Izzo has guided MSU to eight Final Four appearances, 11 Big Ten regular season championships and six Big Ten Tournament titles.
Michigan State hosts Ohio State on Sunday, Feb. 22 at the Breslin Center. The game tips off at 1 p.m. and will air live on CBS, with Kevin Harlan and Robbie Hummel calling the action.
Izzo was one of 15 coaches selected to the watch list, including four from the Big Ten.
In his 31st at the helm of the program he has been with for more than 40 years, including his time as an assistant coach, Izzo was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2025 after leading the Spartans to the Big Ten Regular Season title. It was the fourth time in his career he has earned the honor from the league, having previously been named in 1998, 2009 and 2012.
Izzo has guided Michigan State to a 21-5 overall record this year, including an 11-4 record in the Big Ten Conference. The Spartans are ranked No. 15 in the Associated Press Top 25 and in the ESPN Coaches poll.
In addition to leading the Spartans to a record 27-straight NCAA Tournament appearances, Izzo has guided MSU to eight Final Four appearances, 11 Big Ten regular season championships and six Big Ten Tournament titles.
Michigan State hosts Ohio State on Sunday, Feb. 22 at the Breslin Center. The game tips off at 1 p.m. and will air live on CBS, with Kevin Harlan and Robbie Hummel calling the action.
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