Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo "remains very high" on the Minnesota Timberwolves' list of coaching candidates, reports Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated. It's unclear whether that means Izzo could actually consider the job, but Flip Saunders appears to be thinking outside the box to replace retired coach Rick Adelman.
Tom Izzo ‘remains very high’ on Timberwolves’ head coach wish list
Could Tom Izzo finally make the leap to basketball’s highest level by joining forces with Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio?
Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Izzo, 59, has been the head coach in East Lansing since 1995, when he was promoted after 12 years as an assistant. Within five years, the Spartans won a national championship under Izzo’s guidance, and in the 19 years he’s been at Michigan State, he’s posted a 468-187 record.
As recently as March, rumors swirled that the Detroit Pistons might try to pluck Izzo from East Lansing, but the team hasn't progressed much in its coaching search yet. That leaves the possibility that Minnesota could swoop in, though it's still uncertain whether Izzo even has interest in leaving college basketball.
Izzo has never coached at the NBA level before, and given his immense success at that level, it’s possible that’s simply where he’s most comfortable.
Since 1998, Michigan State has reached 17 consecutive NCAA Tournaments. During those trips, the Spartans have made 12 Sweet 16 appearances, six Final Fours and two title games. In 2000, the team won a national championship behind the backcourt duo of Mateen Cleaves and Morris Peterson.
By joining the NBA, Izzo could potentially join Larry Brown as the only coaches to ever win NCAA and NBA championships.
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