History of Tom Izzo in Timeline
Thomas Michael Izzo, born on January 30, 1955, is a prominent American college basketball coach. He has held the head coach position at Michigan State University since 1995. Izzo's exceptional coaching career was marked by his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on April 4, 2016.
1948: Establishment of the Associated Press Poll
The Associated Press poll, a significant ranking system in college basketball, was established in 1948.
January 30, 1955: Birth of Tom Izzo
On January 30, 1955, Thomas Michael Izzo was born. He would go on to become a prominent figure in American college basketball.
1973: Beginning of Basketball Career at Northern Michigan University
Tom Izzo's journey in basketball continued as he began playing guard for the men's team at Northern Michigan University in 1973.
1977: Completion of College Basketball Career and Division II All-American Recognition
Tom Izzo concluded his college basketball career at Northern Michigan University in 1977, earning recognition as a Division II All-American.
1979: Start of Assistant Coaching Position at Northern Michigan University
Tom Izzo returned to his alma mater, Northern Michigan University, in 1979 to serve as an assistant coach.
September 1983: Appointment as Part-Time Assistant Coach at Michigan State University
Tom Izzo's path led him to Michigan State University in September 1983, where he took on the role of part-time assistant coach.
1985: Expansion of NCAA Tournament Bracket
The NCAA Tournament bracket underwent a significant expansion in 1985, increasing to 64 teams.
1986: Brief Coaching Stint at University of Tulsa
Tom Izzo briefly served as an assistant coach at the University of Tulsa in 1986.
1990: Elevation to Associate Head Coach at Michigan State University
Tom Izzo's contributions and dedication at Michigan State University were recognized in 1990 when he was promoted to the position of associate head coach.
1992: Marriage to Lupe Marinez Izzo
Tom Izzo married Lupe Marinez Izzo in 1992.
1994: End of Jud Heathcote's Tenure and Recommendation for Izzo as Successor
Following the conclusion of Jud Heathcote's coaching tenure in 1994, he recommended Tom Izzo as his successor.
1995: Start of Tenure as Head Coach at Michigan State University
Tom Izzo began his long and successful journey as the head coach at Michigan State University in 1995.
1995: Commencement as Longest-Tenured Coach in Big Ten Conference
Upon becoming head coach at Michigan State in 1995, Tom Izzo embarked on a journey that would make him the longest-tenured basketball coach in the Big Ten Conference.
1998: First of Ten Regular-Season Big Ten Championships
In 1998, Tom Izzo secured his first of ten regular-season Big Ten championships, marking the beginning of a successful era.
1998: Start of Michigan State's Record Home Court Winning Streak
Michigan State, under Izzo's leadership, embarked on a record-breaking home court winning streak in 1998, which continued until 2002.
1999: Start of Three Consecutive Final Four Appearances
From 1999 to 2001, Tom Izzo led his team to three consecutive Final Four appearances, a testament to their consistent excellence.
1999: First of Six Big Ten Tournament Titles and First Final Four Appearance
Tom Izzo added to his list of accomplishments in 1999, winning his first of six Big Ten tournament titles and leading his team to their first Final Four appearance.
2000: NCAA National Championship Victory
In 2000, Tom Izzo led the Spartans to victory in the NCAA National Championship, solidifying his legacy as a skilled coach.
2000: Second NCAA National Championship Win
Tom Izzo achieved his second NCAA national championship win in 2000, further solidifying his coaching legacy.
2001: Assistant Coach for the Gold Medal-Winning USA Basketball Men's Team at the Goodwill Games
In 2001, Tom Izzo held the position of assistant coach for the USA Basketball men's team at the Goodwill Games. The team went undefeated, boasting a perfect 5-0 record, and ultimately secured the gold medal.
2001: End of Three Consecutive Final Four Appearances
Tom Izzo's impressive streak of three consecutive Final Four appearances, which began in 1999, came to an end in 2001.
2002: End of Michigan State's Record Home Court Winning Streak
Michigan State's historic home court winning streak, which began in 1998, came to an end in 2002.
2003: Head Coach of the USA Basketball Men's Team at the Pan American Games
Tom Izzo served as the head coach for the USA Basketball men's team in 2003 at the Pan American Games, where the team finished in fourth place.
2005: Participation in Operation Hardwood and Tournament Championship Win
Tom Izzo participated in Operation Hardwood in 2005, coaching a basketball team of American service members in Kuwait. Notably, his team emerged victorious, clinching the championship title in the tournament.
2006: Participation in Operation Hardwood
In 2006, Tom Izzo once again took part in Operation Hardwood, contributing his coaching expertise to American service members stationed in Kuwait.
2007: Michigan State Named Top College Basketball Program of the Decade
ESPN analyst Andy Katz named Michigan State the top college basketball program for the decade spanning 1998 to 2007, a testament to Tom Izzo's successful coaching.
November 29, 2009: Surpassing Jud Heathcote for Most Wins in Michigan State History
Tom Izzo secured his place in Michigan State history on November 29, 2009, by achieving his 341st win, surpassing Jud Heathcote for the most wins in the school's history.
2009: Loss to North Carolina in the NCAA National Championship Game
Despite a strong run, Tom Izzo's team faced defeat against North Carolina in the 2009 NCAA National Championship game.
2009: NCAA Tournament Runner-Up Finish
Tom Izzo's team made it to the NCAA Tournament final in 2009 but finished as runner-up.
June 15, 2010: Decision to Remain at Michigan State, Declaring Himself a "Spartan for Life"
After a brief consideration of offers from NBA teams, Tom Izzo announced his decision to remain at Michigan State University on June 15, 2010, affirming his commitment to the Spartans.
2010: Conclusion of Six Final Four Appearances in Twelve Seasons
By 2010, Tom Izzo had guided his teams to an impressive six Final Four appearances within a span of twelve seasons, showcasing remarkable consistency and success.
2013: Ranking as the Fifth Angriest Coach in College Basketball
In 2013, USA Today Sports bestowed upon Tom Izzo the title of the fifth angriest coach in college basketball, a distinction he reportedly embraced.
November 26, 2015: 500th Career Win Milestone
Tom Izzo reached a significant coaching milestone on November 26, 2015, securing his 500th career win with Michigan State.
January 28, 2016: 513th Career Win and Second Place for Wins in Big Ten History
On January 28, 2016, Tom Izzo achieved his 513th career win, surpassing Gene Keady to claim the second-highest win total in Big Ten history, behind only Bob Knight at the time.
March 18, 2016: Upset Loss to Middle Tennessee in NCAA Tournament
In a stunning turn of events on March 18, 2016, Tom Izzo's highly-ranked Michigan State team faced an unexpected defeat against No. 15 seed Middle Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament.
April 4, 2016: Induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
A testament to his illustrious career, Tom Izzo was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on April 4, 2016.
September 9, 2016: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
On September 9, 2016, Tom Izzo was formally inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was introduced by former Maryland head coach Gary Williams.
October 13, 2016: Awarded the Dean Smith Award
Tom Izzo received the prestigious Dean Smith Award on October 13, 2016, recognizing his embodiment of the spirit and values of the late North Carolina coaching legend.
2016: Inducted into the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Hall of Fame
In 2016, Tom Izzo was recognized for his contributions to basketball in Michigan by being inducted into the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan (BCAM) Hall of Fame.
2018: Fifth 30-Win Season and Eighth Final Four Appearance
Tom Izzo achieved his fifth 30-win season in 2018, leading the Spartans to their eighth Final Four appearance under his guidance.
October 21, 2019: Michigan State Ranked Preseason No. 1 for the First Time
In a historic moment for the program, Michigan State earned the No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press Top 25 men's college basketball preseason poll on October 21, 2019.
February 26, 2022: Tying Bob Knight for Most Wins at a Big Ten School
With a victory over Purdue on February 26, 2022, Tom Izzo equaled Bob Knight's record for the most wins by a men's basketball coach at a Big Ten School.
March 6, 2022: Surpassing Bob Knight for Most Wins at a Big Ten School
On March 6, 2022, Tom Izzo achieved a significant milestone by surpassing Bob Knight's record for the most wins by a men's basketball coach at a Big Ten school, reaching 663 victories.
March 8, 2022: Surpassing Bob Knight for Most Wins at a Big Ten School
Tom Izzo etched his name atop the record books on March 8, 2022, surpassing Bob Knight for the most wins by a men's basketball coach at a Big Ten school.
August 11, 2022: Five-Year Contract Extension with Michigan State
On August 11, 2022, Tom Izzo solidified his commitment to Michigan State by signing a five-year contract extension, ensuring his long-term future with the Spartans.
January 30, 2024: 700th Career Win Milestone
Coinciding with his 69th birthday, Tom Izzo celebrated his 700th career win on January 30, 2024, further solidifying his place in basketball history.
