Don't get in a T-IZZY, the IZZO talks are reaching a CLIMAX

[neyvit]

WFNYScott on Twitter

Breaking News: Tom Izzo Informs Michigan State Players He Plans To Take Cavaliers Head Coaching Position http://bit.ly/cQ6v4I

Sources close to WFNY have informed us that Tom Izzo has told his players at Michigan State that he plans on taking the Cavaliers job. Our sources have heard directly from players on the MSU team that Izzo informed them this week that he is planning on making the move up to the NBA level under the ownership of MSU grad Dan Gilbert. We have also heard from a separate source that Izzo is holding off on announcing this until the end of the week, when his kids finish up school in the Lansing area. While Izzo could always change his mind, we are comfortable reporting that he has in fact informed his players at Michigan State that he will be taking the Cavaliers job.

Update from Rick: We have three separate confirmations. Nobody at WFNY expects Izzo to announce a press conference immediately in response to this. He has his timing. We will stand by the story and wait it out.

SOURCE


Update 3:15pm: Luke Winn from SI on Twitter:

FWIW: Michigan St source wouldn't comment on Izzo-to-Cavs blog report, but did say, "I can tell you he's in his office, working, right now."

Update 3:18pm: Windy on report:

People in East Lansing tell me Izzo did not tell his players in meeting yesterday he was leaving. Not sure if there was meeting today.

There is a feeling at MSU that a decision could come soon because of the stress this is causing. But lots of conjecture both ways

Update 3:20pm: Jeff Goodman from FoxSports:

Just spoke to another person extremely close with Tom Izzo and re-affirmed this report by WFNY is "not true"

Update 3:30pm - Gary Parrish from CBS Sports:

Any report saying Izzo has accepted the job (or told his players he's accepting the job) is simply false.

Update 7:30pm: Windy article - Sources say MSU players believe Tom Izzo is close to taking Cleveland Cavaliers job

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Dan Gilbert already seemed to pull the sword from the stone once when he got Ohio to approve casinos after numerous failed attempts. He just may be on the verge of doing it again.

Sources have told The Plain Dealer that Michigan State players left a meeting with Tom Izzo Tuesday night believing he was going to leave to accept Gilbert's offer to become the next Cavaliers coach. Izzo didn't tell them that, he called the meeting to acknowledge reports that he'd been offered the job, but players left afraid they were about to lose their coach.

Several other sources, however, indicated Izzo hadn't made his final decision as of Wednesday afternoon.

Izzo has declined offers to leave for the NBA numerous times over the last 10 years, including recently. A Michigan State trustee told both the Chicago Tribune and the Detroit News that the Chicago Bulls talked to Izzo about their open coaching job before hiring Tom Thibodeau.

Trustee Joel Ferguson told the Tribune: "Tom thought he could get the job" with the Bulls.

Yet despite passing on the Bulls, at least some Spartans players seem worried it will turn into a yes this time. A difference in the two jobs, in addition to the possibility LeBron James would re-sign, is that the Cavs likely have a larger budget for their coaching position than the Bulls.

Gilbert has offered Izzo at least $6 million a year to leave East Lansing after 15 highly-successful seasons.

The entire ordeal is applying stress to Michigan State and the uncertainty may also be affecting recruiting efforts. Still, Izzo may take several more days before making a firm decision.

Update 11:45pm: Windy tweet:

MSU source: Tom Izzo planning visit to Cleveland on Thursday: http://bit.ly/bcubvT

Update 10:01am: Wine and Gold post:

I finally got ahold of the one guy I have confoidence in at Michigan State to try and find out what happened at the players meeting that Izzo had on Tuesday.

The reports that are out pretty much are accurate. Although he never told the kids that he was taking the Cleveland job, he did make it very clear that it was a substantial opportuity for him, and a very tough decision. One that he still hadn't made yet, though.

But, the general feeling that players had leaving the meeting was that the chances were pretty good that he would be leaving.

The largest hurdle is if Izzo will accept the Cavaliers job without first knowing if Lebron will be coming back or not. In meting with Izzo, it's part of Gilbert;s sell job to convince him of the team direction with and without James.

If Izzo ever does have aspirations of eventially making a run at the NBA ...he may never have the quality of opportuity available to him that comes from this one. I think he realizes that fact, and that along with his close relationship with Dan Gilbert is what is making this opportunity at this time so unique to him.

 

[MikeSwim07]

Re: BREAKING: Izzo accepts HC job

Hmm, I'll wait for Windy

Thanks for posting regardless

 

[daytripper]

Re: BREAKING: Izzo accepts HC job

 

[Deezus]

Re: BREAKING: Izzo accepts HC job

WFNYScott on Twitter




SOURCE

I'll believe it when the major media outlets report it... until then, we have no major proof of the source of this.

 

[neyvit]

Re: BREAKING: Izzo accepts HC job

WFNY has gotten first scoop on many reports in the past, so I don't see a reason to doubt the authenticity of this. Of course, further confirmation would be good, but I'm just passing along the report.

 

[Snowblind]

Re: BREAKING: Izzo accepts HC job

I'll rep you if this is true and other outlets confirm it.

 

[Otsego Mar]

Re: BREAKING: Izzo accepts HC job

change thread title to MSU players say Izzo will accept job.

 

[camakazee]

Re: BREAKING: Izzo accepts HC job

WFNY has a great roster of writers and has never fabricated stories in the past as far as I can remember. I truly believe that this is what they heard and, if you read the write up, it's a different take than can be reported by Windhorst and others. Having heard from a player on the team, they have a different perspective on the Izzo deal.

Hopefully Izzo doesn't take too long to come here and these guys get the credit they deserve.

 

[BigBrad43]

Re: BREAKING: Izzo accepts HC job

I have no idea if this is true or not, However isn't Delvon Roe a Cleveland kid? maybe one of these guys know him.

Just guessing......

 

[moohead]

Re: BREAKING: Izzo accepts HC job

Uhhhhhh......

So he knows MSU players who told him this? Awaiting confirmation.

Moo

 

[The Human Q-Tip]

Re: BREAKING: Izzo accepts HC job

I'll rep you regardless -- it's a legitimate tip and source. If it turns out untrue, that's not your fault.

 

[BigBrad43]

Re: BREAKING: Izzo accepts HC job

I have never heard of this website.....talk about sticking your neck out!

 

[Bob Loblaw]

Re: BREAKING: Izzo accepts HC job

I have no idea if this is true or not, However isn't Delvon Roe a Cleveland kid? maybe one of these guys know him.

Just guessing......

Delvon Roe went to St. Edward and Raymar Morgan went to Canton McKinley.

 

[keith2710]

Re: BREAKING: Izzo accepts HC job

http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/?p=29584....here is a link

 

[Akronsown]

Re: BREAKING: Izzo accepts HC job

I believe them. He had a meeting with his players yesterday I think so if you do the math....