An Epochal Open Letter from Tom Izzo to the Michigan State Spartans, Fans, and the Whole Spartan Community
Dear Spartan family,
As I sit down to write this letter, I am overcome with emotion—the type that only comes after decades of purpose, passion, and people who believed in you even when the path was uncertain. Today, I just want to say thank you.
I felt at home the moment I stepped onto campus in East Lansing. I had no idea where the voyage would take me or how long it would go; all I knew was that I was exactly where I needed to be. From the highs of Final Fours and Big Ten Championships to the lows that tested every ounce of my resolve, one thing remained constant: the unflinching support of the Michigan State community.
You, my past and present players, have been the program’s heartbeat. You’ve trusted me to challenge you, push you to your boundaries, and keep you accountable. I didn’t only want to coach basketball players; I wanted to help develop men. Men who would bring the Spartan spirit to every locker room, boardroom, and community they joined. Watching you develop, both on and off the court, has been the most enjoyable aspect of my career.
To the supporters – the loud, passionate, loyal sea of green that fills the Breslin Center and spreads far and wide — you’ve given our team more than just noise. You’ve given us energy, identity, and a reminder of who we are every time we put on our sneakers. Whether we were up by 20 or down by 10, your belief remained unwavering. Every time I walk onto the court, I hear your voices in my heart.
Thank you to the Michigan State University personnel, administration, and support teams for laying the groundwork for our student-athletes’ success. Your contributions behind the scenes have been vital to every success story we’ve created together. You’ve allowed me to focus on what I enjoy most, and you’ve contributed to keeping this program at the top of the college basketball rankings.
And to my family, who has made so many sacrifices over the years, thank you for giving me the freedom to pursue this ambition wholeheartedly and passionately. I hope I made you proud.
Today, when I reflect on this incredible experience, I am filled with appreciation. I’m not sure how long this chapter will endure, but I know I’ll continue to give everything I have to this program — to this family — until the last whistle.
Because this is not simply a job. It’s a call. And you, the Spartan community, have given me the most valuable gift any coach could ask for: a place to belong, a legacy to leave, and a home that will live on in my heart forever.
With heartfelt gratitude and love,
Tom Izzo
Michigan State Men’s Basketball head coach
proud Spartan. 💚