Michigan State men’s college basketball coach Tom Izzo has penned a new five-year deal with the team, the university announced on Thursday. Valued at $6.2 million per season, the agreement sees Izzo earn approximately an additional $2 million per year.
At 67 years of age, Izzo has coached Michigan State since the 1995-96 season, when he was promoted from assistant coach to head coach in replacement of the retiring Jud Heathcote. During this time, he led the Spartans to the 2000 National Championship as well as 24 straight NCAA tournaments, including eight Final Four appearances. In addition, he has won the Big Ten title on 10 occasions and six conference tournament championships.
“We greatly appreciate Coach Izzo’s commitment to our outstanding university and his competitive drive to keep Spartan basketball as a national powerhouse,” university president Samuel Stanley remarked following the signing of the deal. According to the university, the rollover contract will need to be approved by its board next month.
While Izzo’s tenure as the head coach got off to a slow start, he gradually strengthened the Spartans’ ranks until they emerged into a national powerhouse, appearing in regular Big Ten competitions.
