The Detroit Pistons are expected to pursue Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo this summer when they begin their coaching search, according to Sam Amick of USA Today. Michigan State is currently in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament and Izzo has had a very successful run as the Spartans coach since 1995. Pistons owner Tom Gores is a Michigan State alum and could be interested in bringing in a familiar face with a proven record at the collegiate level.
Detroit Pistons expected to pursue Tom Izzo, according to report
Tom Izzo could be a high priority target for the Pistons when they begin searching for a new head coach this summer.
Detroit Bad Boys: Who will target Greg Monroe this summer?
Tom Loyer has not improved the Pistons since being named the interim coach after Maurice Cheeks was fired. Detroit is five-and-a-half games out of the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference and have an important summer ahead. The front office must decide on the next head coach and the future of big man Greg Monroe, who will be a restricted free agent.
General manager Joe Dumars future with the is also in question, which is something Gores said he expects to address immediately once the season ends, reports Vincent Goodwill of The Detroit News:
“Oh yeah after the season, we’ll address it right away,” Gores said. “We have to let the season play out. We won’t wait around. I had one goal for us, to be competitive. Detroit needs for us to be a champion.”
Izzo has not coached at the NBA level. The Pistons provide Izzo an opportunity to continue coaching a Michigan-based team. All of Izzo’s previous coaching positions have been with Michigan programs. He has been offered opportunities to coach NBA teams in the past, but maintained his high-profile position with Michigan State.
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