PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns nearly took a different path in their coaching search last summer, almost bringing a two-time NABC Coach of the Year to the Valley.
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Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo talks with guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Tom Izzo, head coach of Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball, spoke on The Dan Patrick Show on Wednesday and recalled a conversation he had with a colleague. Izzo then revealed he was in serious discussions about bringing his expertise to Phoenix.
“I [had] more than a couple job offers in the NBA and looked at one last year with Phoenix,” Izzo said. “You know, and my former player, Mat Ishbia… That was a hard thing to turn down because, number one, I kind of wanted to go with him.”
Michigan State HC Tom Izzo reveals he was in talks with the Phoenix #Suns:
“I’ve had more than a couple job offers in the NBA, looked at one last year with Phoenix – my former player Mat Ishbia. That was hard, that was a hard thing to turn down… we talked seriously about it.” pic.twitter.com/kjSIJreIWz
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) April 1, 2026
When asked directly if the Suns offered him the head coaching position after the club fired former head coach Mike Budenholzer, Izzo made it clear there was a level of interest on both sides.
“We talked seriously about it, let’s say that,” he said.
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo lifts the NCAA championship trophy after the win over Florida, April 3, 2000 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. Mateen Cleaves is at right. © Eric Seals / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Msu Florida Championship Basketball
The revelation offers insight into how close one of college basketball’s most established figures came to making the jump to the NBA. Izzo has led the Spartans since 1995 and won a national championship in 2000.
The potential move would have paired a trusted coach with Ishbia, creating an established relationship and continuity at the professional level. The opportunity to test his program-building philosophy in a different environment could have altered the culture in the desert.
Jan 9, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott against the New York Knicks at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
However, the Michigan State head coach believed it was best to remain at the collegiate level, ultimately leading to Jordan Ott’s hire as head coach of Phoenix. Still, the comments reflect how fluid coaching paths can be and how college leaders continue to draw interest from NBA teams.
It also leaves a lingering question: Where would the Suns be if Izzo had made the jump to the Valley?
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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