Just Say "No" Tom Izzo

Every year, as head coaches bite the dust in the National Basketball Association, Tom Izzo's name pops up at the top of most general managers short lists. Each year, like many Michigan State University fans, I brush off the overtures, reminding my friends and others of Izzo's loyalty to MSU, his love of his players and his ties to the state of Michigan.

Not this year. Not when one of the teams said to be courting the Master of the Green and White is the Cleveland Cavaliers. The reasons are many fold, but the two biggest reasons for my fear are LeBron and James. Add to that combo the relationship that Cavs owner Dan Gilbert has with the state of Michigan and Michigan State University and the situation becomes more troublesome.

Gilbert, who also owns Quicken Loans and is an MSU alumni, is willing to spend big bucks to lure talent to his team. While Izzo has said that he wants to win another national title before leaving MSU, working for Gilbert and with James might be too tempting. Izzo is currently one of the better coaches in the college game. Granted he is no John Wooden, but Izzo has made six NCAA final fours during his 15 years at Michigan State, including the last two. With Izzo still in charge, MSU would have to be considered a top contender for the NCAA title this year. Without Izzo... that's another question.

Published reports so far say that Gilbert has offered Izzo a $30 million, five-year deal. Izzo has spoken with Gilbert, signaling that the talks are serious. About 10 years ago, Izzo narrowly rejected an offer to coach the Atlanta Hawks. One can understand his reluctance to take on that team. But how can one who loves to coach turn away from coaching possibly one of the best players in pro basketball?

It's a tough decision and may depend on whether Izzo hears six simple words: LeBron James is staying in Cleveland.