# HUGE HONOR: TIME Magazine Names Tom Izzo One of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Sports
**East Lansing, MI – January 5, 2026** – In a landmark recognition of his enduring impact on college basketball and beyond, TIME Magazine has named Michigan State University’s legendary head coach Tom Izzo to its inaugural list of the **100 Most Influential People in Sports**. This prestigious honor places Izzo among an elite group of figures who have shaped the world of athletics through leadership, innovation, and longevity.
The announcement, revealed in TIME’s special edition dedicated exclusively to sports influencers, highlights Izzo’s remarkable career spanning over three decades. At 70 years old, Izzo continues to redefine excellence in coaching, cementing his status as one of the greatest in the history of the game.
### A Career Built on Grit and Triumph
Tom Izzo’s journey from the iron mines of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to the pinnacle of college basketball is the stuff of American sports lore. Born in Iron Mountain, Michigan, Izzo grew up in a tight-knit community where hard work was non-negotiable. He walked on to the basketball team at Northern Michigan University, earning Division II All-America honors through sheer determination.
After brief stints as a high school coach and assistant at his alma mater, Izzo joined Jud Heathcote’s staff at Michigan State in 1983. When Heathcote retired in 1995, Izzo took the reins—and transformed the Spartans into a perennial powerhouse.
In his 31 seasons at the helm, Izzo has compiled a staggering record of 749-304, making him Michigan State’s all-time winningest coach. His teams have won 11 Big Ten regular-season titles, six Big Ten Tournament championships, and appeared in a record 27 consecutive NCAA Tournaments—a streak unmatched in Division I men’s basketball history.
But it’s in March where Izzo truly shines. Dubbed “Mr. March” for his postseason prowess, he has led the Spartans to eight Final Fours and the 2000 National Championship, defeating Florida in a memorable title game led by Mateen Cleaves, Morris Peterson, and Jason Richardson.
Izzo’s 59 NCAA Tournament wins rank sixth all-time, and his .694 winning percentage in the Big Dance is among the best for active coaches. In 2025 alone, he surpassed Bob Knight for the most Big Ten conference wins in history with 354, further etching his name alongside the legends.
### Influence Beyond the Court
TIME’s selection of Izzo underscores his influence that extends far beyond wins and losses. He is renowned for developing players not just into pros, but into men of character. Dozens of Izzo’s former players have reached the NBA, including Draymond Green, Jaren Jackson Jr., Miles Bridges, and Cassius Winston. Yet, Izzo’s emphasis on toughness, rebounding, and defense has become a blueprint for success in college hoops.
His loyalty to Michigan State—turning down multiple NBA offers, including from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks—has made him a symbol of institutional commitment in an era of constant coaching carousel.
Off the court, Izzo is a tireless advocate for the game. He has participated in Operation Hardwood, coaching U.S. troops in Kuwait, and is deeply involved in community service and cancer research fundraising through events like the Izzo Legacy Golf Classic.
Peers and former players alike praise his intensity and authenticity. “Coach Izzo demands excellence because he lives it,” said Draymond Green in a tribute quote featured in TIME. “He’s tough, but he’s fair—and he’s made me the player and person I am today.”
Magic Johnson, a Michigan State icon from an earlier era, added: “Tom has carried the Spartan legacy forward like no one else. His passion for the game and for his players is unmatched.”
### Why Now? A Timely Recognition
The timing of this honor feels particularly fitting. In recent years, Izzo has navigated the challenges of the transfer portal and NIL era while maintaining Michigan State’s status as a top program. His 700th career win in 2024 and record-breaking Big Ten milestones in 2025 have reignited discussions about his place among the all-time greats.
TIME editors noted that Izzo’s inclusion reflects his role in preserving the integrity of college sports amid rapid change. “In a landscape dominated by superstars and shifting allegiances, Tom Izzo stands as a beacon of consistency, development, and competitive fire,” the magazine wrote.
This list marks TIME’s first dedicated sports-focused edition of its influential people series, expanding on the traditional TIME 100 to spotlight those reshaping athletics globally. Izzo joins other coaching luminaries and athletes whose contributions have transcended their disciplines.
### Reactions Pour In
The news sent shockwaves through the basketball world. Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller called it “a well-deserved capstone to an incredible career.” Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti congratulated Izzo, saying, “He embodies everything great about our conference.”
Fans flooded social media with tributes, sharing iconic moments like the 2000 championship celebration and Izzo’s emotional post-game speeches. #IzzoTIME trended nationwide, with alumni and rivals alike acknowledging his impact.
Rival coaches offered praise too. Purdue’s Matt Painter said, “Tom’s influence on the Big Ten and college basketball is immeasurable. He’s earned every bit of this.”
### A Lasting Legacy
As Izzo enters what could be the later chapters of his coaching tenure, this honor from TIME serves as a reminder of his profound footprint on sports. He joins the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2016, but this recognition highlights his ongoing relevance.
In an exclusive statement to reporters, Izzo remained humble: “This is a huge honor, but it’s really about the players, assistants, and Spartan fans who’ve been with me every step. We’ve built something special here, and I’m grateful to still be doing what I love.”
For a coach who has given everything to Michigan State, the feeling is mutual. Tom Izzo isn’t just influential—he’s iconic.
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