Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, 71, emphatically shuts down retirement talk after Sweet 16 loss

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Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo will not be retiring anytime soon.

The 71-year-old head coach was asked what he would be doing in five years after his team’s 67-63 loss to UConn in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16, and he brushed off the possibility of retirement.

"Trying to win a national championship — plain and simple," Izzo told reporters.

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Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo reacts during the first half against North Dakota State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Buffalo, New York, on March 19, 2026. (Yuki Iwamura/AP Photo)

"We all talk about retirement," Izzo said. "Why? What the hell am I going to do? The minute I don't feel good, the minute I don't feel like I'm giving my AD or president or school every ounce of energy I have every day or that energy drops, you don't have to worry about it. I don't steal money. I won't steal anybody's time."

Izzo said he still has some things that he wants to accomplish before calling it a career. He said that he would be going into the portal the day after the team’s loss.

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Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo reacts during the second half against Louisville in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Buffalo, New York, on March 21, 2026. (Jeffrey T. Barnes/AP Photo)

"Tomorrow I'm going to the portal," Izzo said. "The only difference is the portal at Michigan State is different than the portal at most places. I'm going right to my frickin' locker room, and I'm going to talk to each and every player right there. I'm going to