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United States Tom Izzo is a decorated college basketball coach known for his sustained success and championship-winning programs.
Rocket Mortgage greatly expanded its partnership with Michigan State University Athletics, becoming the presenting sponsor of Spartan Basketball for the next five years. The mortgage lender also continues its role as the official mortgage provider for the athletic department. This partnership is designed to elevate the Spartan basketball program through corporate sponsorship.
Tom Izzo's former Michigan State basketball players, including Mat Ishbia (who played on the 2000 NCAA National Championship team), have teamed up again in different roles behind Ishbia's company, United Wholesale Mortgage. Ishbia, now CEO, has contributed significantly to MSU athletics, including funding for the Mat Ishbia Basketball Facility.
Tom Izzo was born on January 30, 1955, in Iron Mountain, Michigan. He played guard for the Northern Michigan University men’s basketball team from 1973 to 1977, earning Division II All-America honors as a senior and setting the school record for most minutes played in a season. Following his graduation in 1977, Izzo began his coaching career as a high school coach at Ishpeming High School for one season. He then served as an assistant coach at Northern Michigan University from 1979 to 1983. In 1983, Izzo joined Michigan State University as a part-time assistant coach, moving to a full-time position later that year. He briefly left for the University of Tulsa in 1986 but returned to Michigan State within months. His dedication led to his promotion to associate head coach in 1990.
In 1995, Izzo was appointed head coach of the Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball program, a position he has held for decades. Under his leadership, the Spartans achieved significant successes, including winning the NCAA National Championship in 2000. He has guided his teams to numerous Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles, along with eight Final Four appearances. Izzo holds the record for the longest active streak of NCAA Tournament appearances, with 27 consecutive berths for Michigan State. His coaching philosophy emphasizes toughness, strong rebounding, and player development, which has seen 85 percent of his eligible players complete their degrees. Izzo’s career contributions were recognized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
Throughout his tenure, Izzo has accumulated a career record of 737-302, making him Michigan State’s all-time winningest coach by 2009. He became the first Big Ten head coach to reach 700 wins at one school in 2024 and surpassed Bob Knight for the most Big Ten Conference wins in history in 2025. Many of his former assistants have gone on to become head coaches at other Division I programs and in the NBA. Izzo’s impact extends beyond basketball through his community involvement with organizations like Coaches Vs. Cancer and Volunteers of America. He was instrumental in establishing the Mat Ishbia Basketball Facility, funded by former player Mat Ishbia, further solidifying his legacy in collegiate basketball.
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