Tom Izzo Turns Down Offer to Coach Cavaliers; Never Talked to LeBron

[catlover79]

http://www.fox8.com/news/wjw-news-iz...,7107144.story

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Tom Izzo is staying at Michigan State, turning down a chance to coach the Cleveland Cavaliers and perhaps LeBron James.

"I'm pleased to say I am here for life at Michigan State," Izzo said in a statement released by the school on Tuesday night.

For the past nine days, Izzo has been trying to decide whether to leave the place that has been his home since 1983 and jump to the NBA to perhaps make $6 million -- doubling his salary -- and possibly coaching one of the best basketball players in the world.

Izzo rejected the NBA in part because he was unable to speak with James, though he did speak with people in his camp. "That was one of the key factors, 100 percent true," Izzo said. "That was not the only factor. Was it a big factor? Sure."

James' uncertain future will make for a difficult decision for any prospective Cavs coach. He is unlikely to tip his hand publicly before free agency begins July 1.

For the past nine days, Izzo has been trying to decide whether to leave the place that has been his home since 1983 and jump to the NBA to perhaps make $6 million — doubling his salary — and possibly coach one of the best basketball players in the world.

Izzo readily admitted that the idea of coaching James was very tempting, "I thought playing one-on-one with LeBron James every day would be a good thing," he said.

Now, he's hoping James will join him for "stay-at-home month," referencing the 25-year-old superstar's uncertain future.

"I'm staying at home," Izzo said. "I hope he stays."

"It's been an agonizing week as I tried to make a decision about a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Izzo said in a statement. "I apologize for the time the process has taken, but sometimes there are opportunities that come about that must be thoroughly examined."

Izzo's decision ends a nearly two-week courtship by Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, who was hoping a reported five-year $30 million contract would be enough to land the Spartans coach, and perhaps show James he intends to remake the Cavs following a bitter postseason loss.

"The entire Cleveland Cavalier organization has nothing but respect and admiration for Coach Izzo and his family," Gilbert said in a statement. "Tom is a special person in so many unique and positive ways. We only wish great things for him and his family in all the years ahead."

This past season, Izzo led the Spartans to the Final Four for the sixth time in 12 years. Only the late John Wooden at UCLA and Duke's Mike Krzyzewski also have done that.

"It's a great day, knowing he's coming back," said Mateen Cleaves, perhaps Izzo's favorite player and one of the stars from his 2000 national championship team. "It put the biggest smile on my face to know he's coming back."

Milwaukee Bucks guard Charlie Bell, who played on the 2000 national championship team, was also glad to hear Izzo's staying: "Izzo is Michigan State basketball."

Two of the five former assistants who are Division I coaches were thrilled, too.

"Thought he handled very difficult process very well," Utah coach Jim Boylen wrote in a text message. "It was a win-win situation for him. Happy for him, his family and his team that it's over."

South Florida coach Stan Heath sent a text that read: "Tom is great for Michigan State and for college basketball."

For the NBA franchise in Cleveland, Izzo's decision appears to be another setback.

[James]

Good! I wanted him to stay put!

[TVFactFan]

Izzo may have been stuck with a bunch oh nobodies-lol

Good Move

[catlover79]

Originally Posted by James

Good! I wanted him to stay put!

I think everyone did!!

[Mr. Television]

I can't stand Izzo. He keeps beating my team. I wish he left.

[catlover79]

Originally Posted by Clint Eastwood Fan

I can't stand Izzo. He keeps beating my team. I wish he left.

Sorry, Sonny!!

[MrCleveland]

Who do you think The Cavs will choose as their coach?