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Tom Izzo Eyes Magic Johnson, Draymond Green, More MSU Alums to Be HC When He Retires

Doric SamNovember 12, 2024

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 23: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans looks on prior to the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 23, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Legendary Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo doesn't plan on stepping down anytime soon, but he has a few alums in mind as his future replacement.

"I got no interest in getting out of it," Izzo said Monday on the College Hoops Today Podcast, per Fan Duel's Jon Rothstein. "When I'm done, I'm going to talk to Mateen Cleaves, Steve Smith, Magic Johnson, and Draymond Green. I don't want to lose the culture that I've seen for 40 years as a GA on up. I think it's being lost somewhat now in college sports. Not just for me, but the players who come back and are a part of things. At least here at Michigan State, it's important. It may not be that way at other places."

Izzo first joined Michigan State's program in 1983 as an assistant and took over as head coach of the Spartans in 1995. The team has played in every NCAA tournament since the 1997-98 season, winning the national championship in 2000.

While some believe that Green is a natural fit for a future head coach, the Golden State Warriors star recently revealed that he doesn't see himself going down that path.

"Man I love Michigan State so much… I will always be a part of the program, but I'm just not sure I can coach Michigan State," he said. "Chasing around high school kids whose parents think they are the best thing since sliced bread and trying to tell me what I should do for their kid… I'm not sure I can really do that."

Michigan State Content @msucontent

Draymond Green doesn't have interest in coaching at Michigan State after his nba career😂 <a href="https://t.co/deRrF6CXsJ">pic.twitter.com/deRrF6CXsJ</a>

Izzo's successor will have big shoes to fill, so it will be interesting to see who eventually gets the honor of replacing the Hall of Famer.