Izzo Interview

[Muskie]

I was listening to FSR this morning and Tom Izzo was on. He was asked about Oregon rumors. He basically said the following: I never say never, and admit that I do think about other places and NBA programs from time to time, but there has been no contact by Oregon. There is a 99% chance I will be back at MSU next season.


I thought it was a very refreshing conversation (almost Prosseresque ), and think it is the right way to address coaching rumors. No "I'm not a candidate" or flip-flopping. A total class act.

[Titanxman04]

Here's the thing, Phil Knight is involved in this (as he is with everything Oregon). I am almost promising you that we'll see a $4M+ offer to Izzo. He's been to the Final Four six out of the last 12 years. He loved MSU and they can pay some good money to their coach. BUT, Oregon will put together an offer that MSU just won't be able to match. Possibly more than $4M (seeing as I don't know how much Izzo makes now).

Izzo isn't going to comment too much on the possibility of leaving, seeing as he's still got one, possibly two more games to play this year. I have a feeling that once the season is over, these rumors will really start to fly.

Again, Izzo's contract offer will be absolutely nuts. Not too mention, Oregon is getting a whole new arena to play in, and it's one of the richest programs in the country (thanks to Nike and Phil Knight).

[Xman95]

Should Izzo bolt to Oregon, would Brad Stevens be a top guy for Michigan State? If Izzo stays, anyone think Stevens could wind up as coach of the Ducks? My personal opinion is that Stevens is happy at Butler and he'll be there for at least another season.

[Titanxman04]

Should Izzo bolt to Oregon, would Brad Stevens be a top guy for Michigan State? If Izzo stays, anyone think Stevens could wind up as coach of the Ducks? My personal opinion is that Stevens is happy at Butler and he'll be there for at least another season.

I'm sure Stevens is quite happy at Butler. But lets be honest, if Izzo bolts, he'd probably be atop their list. MSU isn't like Iowa or Depaul. they have the resources, the success, and the money to set them far apart. It isn't like Dayton (assuming that the midget leaves for "greener" pastures) is calling on Stevens, offering to pay an extra $200k, with hopes of possibly making the tournament. This is freaking MSU. Six Final Fours in 12 seasons.

MSU is one of those elite schools, and if they call on Stevens, I feel thats one of the few schools that he'd HAVE to listen to.

[MADXSTER]

Brad Stevens should be at the top of UC's list.

[Muskie]

I just appreciated that Izzo admitted that he thinks about other jobs and openly says "never say never". it's a refreshing change from the cat and mouse (I'm not a candidate) B.S. we get this time of year.