Tom Izzo Reflects on Jonathan Smith’s Departure, Looks Ahead to Big Ten Opener vs. Iowa
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Tom Izzo isn’t one to shy away from tough conversations, and on Monday, the Hall of Fame coach took a moment to address the sudden firing of Michigan State football coach Jonathan Smith - a move that sent ripples through the Spartan athletic community just a day prior.
“I hate what’s happened to Jonathan Smith,” Izzo said during his press conference. “I hate what’s happened because things did not go as well as I would like them. But more importantly, things did not go as well as he would like.”
Izzo didn’t sugarcoat the situation. While he wasn’t in constant contact with Smith, he made it clear they had a steady line of communication - particularly before each game. And from Izzo’s vantage point, not everything that went wrong was within Smith’s control.
“There were a lot of things that were issues,” he noted, “but a lot of things were beyond his control.”
It’s a rare public show of solidarity from one head coach to another at a time when college football’s coaching carousel spins faster than ever. Izzo’s comments underscored the human side of a business that’s often defined by wins, losses, and contracts - a reminder that behind every coaching change is a person navigating real challenges.
But with the football news still fresh, Izzo also had to pivot quickly - his own team has business to handle.
Michigan State basketball, currently ranked No. 7 in the country, opens its Big Ten slate on Tuesday night against Iowa. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
ET on Peacock. And while the Hawkeyes didn’t crack the AP Top 25 this week, they were the very next team in line - effectively sitting at No. 26 - which tells you all you need to know about how dangerous this matchup could be.
Izzo knows it, too. His Spartans are coming off a strong start to the season, but the Big Ten is an entirely different animal. Iowa brings size, shooting, and a chip on its shoulder - exactly the kind of team that can spoil a ranked opponent’s night if given the chance.
The press conference was a mix of reflection and readiness. Izzo took time to acknowledge a colleague’s difficult exit, but he also made it clear his focus is locked in on the challenge ahead. With conference play kicking off, the stakes are rising - and so is the intensity in East Lansing.