Michigan State University fans have shown all week they didn't want basketball coach Tom Izzo to leave for the NBA
EAST LANSING (AP) -- Tom Izzo is staying at Michigan State, turning down a chance to coach the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers and perhaps LeBron James.
In a statement released by the school on Tuesday, Izzo said, "I'm pleased to say I am here for life at Michigan State."
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 six million dollars, doubling his salary and possibly coaching one of the best basketball players in the world.
Michigan State University fans have shown all week they didn't want basketball coach Tom Izzo to leave for the NBA. Social networking sites and message boards buzzed with the news soon after it broke Tuesday evening. Students and alumni on Michigan State's campus say they welcome the news.
Fans had staged a rally outside Breslin Center in support of Izzo last week. Signs showing support for Izzo were placed along the coach's route to work this week.
Izzo was owner Dan Gilbert's first choice to replace Mike Brown as the Cavs' coach, a position that may not be filled until LeBron James signs as a free agent, in Cleveland or elsewhere. Izzo's decision has complicated things for the Cavs, who are now preparing for the NBA draft and July 1 opening of free agency without a coach or a front running candidate.
A fallback plan could be Byron Scott. General manager Chris Grant spoke with Scott last week, but the former New Orleans coach may be waiting to see what happens after the season with Phil Jackson and the Lakers.
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